TWO SIDES TO 
....A PICTURE.... 



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MRS. C. M. BROGHTOX 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 



A REVELATION 

BETWEEN 

TWO PLANES. 



BY 
MRS. C. M. BROGHTON. 



DENVER. 

1903. 



THE LIBRARY OF 
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OCT 16 




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Copyright, 1903, 
By MRS. C. M. BROGHTON. 



DEDICATION. 

This work is dedicated to suffering humanity 
to relieve its mental depression and physical 
pain. It is sent out as a messenger between 
this world and the one that controls the results 
of its production, while time, the all healing- 
element, will bring together a knowledge that 
can and will liberate each one from present 
sorrows. 



CONTENTS. 

Chapter Page 

I A Vision of the Continuation of Life 17 

II Alice Moore Awakens in Her Grandparent's 

Home 40 

III The Sick Chamber of Harry Leroy 54 

IV The Conflicting Thoughts of Mrs. Moore. . 64 
V The Meeting of Harry and Alice 80 

VI In Which Mr. and Mrs. Moore Have a 

Controversy 87 

VII The Law of Transfer 94 

VIII Alice Appears to Her Mother 100 

IX Harry and Alice Exchange Ideas 106 

X The Minister Calls upon Mrs. Moore 112 

XI The Transfer of Intelligence from a Higher 

to a Lower Plane 120 

XII Mrs. Moore Wins a Victory 124 

XIII The Convincing Proof 128 

XIV Phenomena and Its Power 137 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 

page y^ 

Portrait of Mrs. C. M. Broghton 

"Stooping, I Plucked a Beautiful Flower" 27 

"The Home of Harry's Parents" 58 * 

One Said: "My Child, I am Your Mother" "And 
I," said the Other, "am the Mother of Harry 

Leroy" 64 ^ 

"The Day of Recompense is Here" 78 S 

They had Just Arranged Themselves when the Two 

Stood Before Them 95 "' 

Alice, as an Individual, Stood Before Her 124 s 



PREFACE. 

Dealing with the circumstances that belong 
to the continuation of this life, requires a 
knowledge of the manner in which the experi- 
ence of this life is linked to the continuation 
of results on a higher plane and then back to 
earth, and earth's producing causes. 

In this life the external of all things is recog- 
nized. Here the body material is formed that 
identifies the casket through which life and 
intelligence manifest. Here the germ of all 
the millions is held and recognized to become 
the external realization of all the human race. 

The higher plane to which this life is con- 
nected, is where the people of this life are at- 
tracted when they pass out through the change 
known to us as death. A plane where the 
higher intelligence liberates the people from 
the contracting influence of past results and 
present misunderstanding, and opens to them 
the realms of natural investigation, placing 
within their reach the knowledge that nature 
holds. The following pages represent a con- 
nection w 7 ith the highest or the twelfth division 
of this plane. Volumes could be written ex- 
plaining the connection with the lower divisions 



10 PREFACE 

showing how individuals are attracted to a 
special division according to their natural place 
in nature and to the conditions controlling their 
stay on earth. 

A knowledge of the systems of mental order 
is also required; through that we can clearly 
classify the earth's Astrology, her Astronomy, 
her Proportion and her Results, a knowledge 
however not to be gained through mathe- 
matics. The Mathematician of our age can 
calculate from the earth's center to the globe's 
circle, and compute through mathematical an- 
alysis the world's magnitude. 

Man stands upon the mechanical side of 
natural genius. He represents the brain im- 
pulse that forms the designs that nature pro- 
duces, while woman is the originator, the pro- 
ducer and the inventor that belongs to the sensi- 
tive side of human progress. 

The poetry of her nature beautifies and en- 
nobles the spirit of time, while her intelligence 
is far-reaching, and her genius will once more 
be recognized as the unfoldment of perfecting 
time dictates. The dictation of perfecting 
time will be the controlling power that governs 
the actions of mankind. Origination belongs 
to the mental part of human results. We have 
entered into the arena of perfecting time. What 



PREFACE 1 I 

the past has failed to accomplish the present 
and the future will fulfill. 

The present forms the balance through 
which all changes will take place; changes that 
only recognize the equalizing of the human 
body and the human brain. The insanity of 
the past will cease to act upon the impulses of 
any individual. There will be no desire to 
change the conditions before their time. People 
will only think what can we do to better our 
condition and those around us so that happi- 
ness will be the inheritance of the present, 
while the future will manifest from the same 
cause ? 

The day of progress is centering to human- 
ity's relief and nothing can retard its invasion 
upon all retrograding conditions. The dark 
period that has overwhelmed the brain facul- 
ties will no longer affect any part of the human 
life, and will also cease to affect the manifesta- 
tion that nature produces. All things will be 
imbued with a living energy that corresponds 
with what is to take place. 

Woman, according to the motherhood of 
nature, attracts to herself certain qualities that 
perfecting time holds. Each quality will stand 
as a magnet to attract the continuation of her 
intelligence, her life and her education. 

The education that belongs to the masses is 



12 PREFACE 

a knowledge of what continuation is to them; 
they are first to learn of themselves, a knowl- 
edge of the graded conditions that nature's in- 
telligence recognizes, and how the plane of 
continuation controls the results of the future. 
The future is ever before us, the problem of 
life is the ground-work upon which humanity 
stands. 

Our living here is the preface that belongs 
to the experience that continuation holds. 
Here is where the platform is united upon 
which the intellectual structure can be built, 
an intellectual structure that is broad enough 
to explore the realm of magnet power. When 
once we explore that realm we will find that 
it is ignorance that demands the sacrifice of our 
intelligence and our life, and learn that death 
begins and ends here, while life holds the con- 
tinuous round of eternal manifestation. 

As we unite with life and learn how to live 
we unite with intelligence and understand what 
the world of formations is to us ; we can blend 
with formation and see how origination per- 
forms her part. The mind can penetrate the 
vast arena of nature's cause until every faculty 
can harmonize with her immensity. 

We can cross what is to us the dark stream 
of division and see the realities that nature has 
formed to meet the demands of our continua- 



PREFACE 13 

tion and our time. The world of space only 
holds what mind governs and matter forms. 

As we introduce this little book we hope it 
will meet with the understanding that the time 
calls for. It has taken years of constant re- 
search in the laboratory from which cause, 
effect and result manifest to learn why every 
condition is the result of corresponding expres- 
sion and experience; to gain the knowledge 
that one world stands for the result of another 
world; that one system stands for the result 
of another system and so on through the 
eternity of time and space; and that mind is 
the motive power through which all things 
take place and are experienced upon any world 
that space holds. 

In uniting with the conditions of the con- 
tinuation of this life, we find there, as here, 
all of the results that control the action of the 
individual. 

Death does not divide the current of sorrow, 
but through the transfer of coercing changes 
each one is attracted to the same conditions 
that he or she left. The first plane of continu- 
ation holds the influx of criminal relations 
that have been an outgrowth of pervertions 
which were enacted here. 

It is only nature and the knowledge of 
natural law that holds the power to liberate 



14 PREFACE 

each one from the thraldom of past experi- 
ences. Like ever attracts like, and vice like 
all else forms a magnet that holds its victims to 
its center. 

We have been taught that to die was liber- 
ation, but as we explore the conditions of con- 
tinuation we find that to live should be our 
aim and our ambition. We should ever seek 
for the greatest good that life holds ; we should 
fathom the selfhood of our own being and 
gather to ourselves the gems of intellect that 
control our life work; that life work being 
to perfect the scale of mentality, increase and 
increase the unfoldments of our inner life 
which belongs to happiness, to prosperity and 
to intelligence. 

As the mists of the ages are cleared away 
and the cloud of superstition no more envelopes 
the reasoning faculties of mankind, there will 
be no mystery existing between us and those 
that have gone on before. 

Science, the ever controlling power, will 
open up the way through which humanity can 
come together. There are no spirits, but 
identity is linked to identity, individuality to 
individuality, and we hold there, as here, the 
same purpose, the same ambitions, while the 
scale of unfoldment recognizes each one to 



PRE! 15 

liberate him or her from the past and its power 
to control. 

Philosophy is the center through which in- 
vestigation can take place. While science will 
open the door that superstition has closed, and 
intelligence will recognize the change that 
comes to all for their release and their pro- 
gression. 

In conclusion I wish to thank my friends and 
associates for the help they have given me in 
the preparation of this little volume. To Amy 
K. Cornwall, whose help in correcting and ar- 
ranging the manuscript and in reading the 
proof has been invaluable, and to Harriet F. 
Wright, who designed the illustrations, my 
thanks are particularly due. 

Mrs. C. M. Broghton, 

Boulder, Colo. 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE. 
CHAPTER I. 

A VISION OF THE CONTINUATION OF LIFE. 

"Why! Oh, why must this great sorrow 
come to my heart and home?" was the thought 
of an anxious mother, while watching at the 
bedside of her idolized child. 

Alice Moore was one of nature's rarest 
gems, beautiful in form and feature. She was 
the pride of her parents, and was highly 
esteemed and beloved by her companions. 

It was at the close of a spring-time evening, 
and all nature seemed quietly sinking to rest, 
and there was nothing to mar the beauty of 
their surroundings. Without, earth was 
crowned with the spring-time of life; within, 
was the luxury of refinement and taste. 
Nothing that wealth could buy was spared to 
woo back to health and happiness their only 
child. 

Quietly resting upon her downy pillow, with 
eyes closed, she seemed a marvel of exquisite 
workmanship. Her golden hair lay in wavy 
masses above a forehead of marble whiteness, 
but the hectic flush told only too well that life 
was slowly ebbing day by day. 



1 8 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

Sadly the moments passed to the anxious 
mother, hoping, fearing, waiting, yet knowing 
that her child was drawing nearer and nearer 
to the realities of another life. Medical skill 
had failed to alleviate or check the progress of 
her disease. Consumption had blighted this 
fair flower, that now was past all hope of re- 
covery. 

As the quiet of the evening stole silently 
through her waiting senses, sleep seemed to 
hold control over brain and body, while a 
sweet smile wreathed her lips and she seemed 
communing with a presence unseen and unfelt 
by her mother, caused by a beautiful dream, 
such as come only to those who are drifting 
away from the scenes of earth. Thus the 
moments passed until a sound in the hall 
awoke her. 

The physician entering, unannounced, 
crossed the room to her bedside and gazed 
upon her with a sad expectant countenance. 
Turning to the mother, he inquired, "How has 
my patient been to-day?" 

"Not worse, as I can see, doctor," replied 
Mrs. Moore. "She has been quietly resting 
for the past two hours, while I have been tak- 
ing the place of nurse and attendant, as they 
need rest for the duties of to-night." 

"The medicine I left, has that been given 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 19 

according to directions? We must have no 
relaxation in the effects to be produced. This 
tonic I prepared to invigorate her wasting 
strength. This powder must be given to pro- 
duce easy expectoration ; while this I am now 
preparing, must cause the sleep and rest most 
needed." Rising, he exchanged a few words 
with Alice and quietly bade them good-night. 

Turning her eyes upon the array of medi- 
cine before her, the invalid exclaimed: "Oh 
dear ! O dear ! Why must I, with all the suf- 
fering I endure, be compelled to take those 
nauseating drugs? Consumption is sure to 
conquer. I feel life is ebbing slowly and 
surely away and nothing that skill can invent, 
or affection administer, can check its onward 
course." 

"Oh, my darling! We must do all we can 
to prolong your life, hoping that we may find 
something that can and will restore you to us," 
answered her mother. 

While speaking there was a ring at the door, 
and a lady entered with a seeming conscious- 
ness that to her a welcome would be given. 
She bade them a cheery good evening, inquir- 
ing at the same time of the welfare of Alice. 
Stooping, she imprinted a kiss upon her brow, 
saying, "I have come to sit with you awhile. 
Mrs. Moore, you look tired, and I feel you are 



20 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

in need of rest. If anything should take place, 
I will immediately call you." 

"Thank you," said Mrs: Moore, "I know 
that I can trust her in your care, and with no 
one else could she feel more pleasure than with 
you." 

"Yes, mother, go get the rest you need," 
urged Alice. "I have been wishing to see 
Miss Deorr, as I have something to tell her. 
It is no secret, mamma dear, yet I wish to speak 
upon the subject while I can." 

With faltering steps Mrs. Moore slowly left 
the room, wondering what her daughter wished 
to communicate to her friend. 

Turning to Miss Deorr, Alice said : "It 
seems as if you had brought me new life. 
Your bright and cheery smile has more heal- 
ing than all that has been administered. Sit 
close beside me and let me feel your presence, 
and drink one consoling draught of reality. I 
feel my bark of life is surely drifting out upon 
the ocean of change. The inspiration of a new 
life that I cannot picture seems drawing me 
nearer and nearer; it is of this I wish to talk: 
While resting as the evening shadows crept 
In, I dreamed, or saw, such a beautiful vision. 
Can it be that there is something real that can 
come to us, to strengthen and sustain our de- 
parting spirits? 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 21 

"What I saw was strangely beautiful, and 
it was in marked contrast to what I had been 
taught since childhood. There was a path 
leading from my bedside, flowers were blossom- 
ing and their perfume pervaded the atmosphere, 
while the rippling water of a silvery stream 
glided away, and upon the other bank a beau- 
tiful being, with outstretched hand beckoned 
me to come. These words seemed wafted to 
my hearing: 'Fear not, the path you will 
tread leads only to a brighter reality. Look 
and see.' 

"Gazing beyond, I saw beautiful homes sur- 
rounded by nature's most harmonious rela- 
tions. All things seemed pulsating with life, 
while the spirit of peace rested within my 
heart. 

"Can it be that such a life awaits us, or was 
it only a phantom that blended with my pros- 
tration? It is so different from the teachings 
of those we have looked upon as guides and 
counselors. 

"Prayer, we have been taught, is the beacon 
that guides us to our heavenly home. Two 
visions have arisen within my mind; one, the 
teaching of my daily life ; the other, O ! what 
can I say of it? Is it possible for the veil to 
be lifted? Can our loved ones and the beau- 
tiful and exalted beings that have gone before 



22 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

us cross the boundary and reveal to us the 
reality through our mental vision? If I could 
but know it was a truth fear, doubt, and all 
conflicting emotions would be removed. I 
have thought upon the question as far as it was 
possible for me to comprehend. At the hours 
when slumber should have visited my eyes, I 
have tried to solve the mystery of my being. 

"Reared as I have been, in the lap of luxury, 
with loving parents to guide and counsel, they, 
ever watchful of my greatest and best inter- 
ests, expressed a love as pure as the fountain 
from which it was drawn. Yet, why must it 
be? With all of association, with all of love 
and care, naught could stay the conqueror. 

"Our reverend and esteemed pastor has 
prayed at my bedside, and counselled me ac- 
cording to his mission, picturing in glowing 
language the power, sympathy and love that the 
Father of all fathers holds for his children, 
and how the angels are watching and waiting 
at the bedside of the sick and the dying. How 
Christ, the Redeemer of mankind, came upon 
earth, assuming the conditions of this life, in 
order to be the savior of the fallen children of 
earth, so that the freed soul can enter into the 
scenes of eternal rest. 

"I have listened, but a shadow would cross 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE *3 

my mind and a doubt arise as to the truth of 
the picture. 

"Expressing my doubt, I was answered in 
this way: 'You have failed to seek the faith 
that sustains the Christian. Your name is not 
upon the church record. The baptism that 
cleanses the stain has not been administered. 
Though you have been taught the religion of 
Christ and Him crucified, you have delayed to 
comply with its requirements. The sinful fol- 
lies of this life have lured you on, and now 
I come to plead for your salvation, to ask that 
you be willing to be baptized, and unite with 
the holy church. I will read the parable of the 
prodigal son, which will apply to your case. 
Though the eleventh hour is reached, through 
the administration of the followers of Christ 
you can meet acceptance. May the Lord be 
with you is my prayer.' 

"He read the parable, stopping to explain 
where he thought it most necessary for me to 
understand. With words of warning, he urged 
that Christ was my only hope, my only salva- 
tion ; then turning, he read of Dives and Laza- 
rus, picturing in vivid coloring the condition 
of the two. 

"A sickening sense of doubt and fear op- 
pressed me, and he paused, as if waiting for 
my answer. Striving to overcome the feeling 



24 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

that controlled my brain, seeking, longing, for 
truth to reveal to me the answer that could 
sustain me, I gazed through the open window 
upon the picture of nature, blended into one 
great harmonious unity. Flowers were blos- 
soming in rich profusion, birds were warbling 
their silvery notes beneath shrub and bower. 
I prayed, as only those can pray who feel their 
footsteps have reached the boundary of another 
experience. 

"He seemed waiting, thinking his efforts 
and counsel would be crowned with success. 
'Have faith, my daughter !' he exclaimed ; 'fear 
not to link your fate with the Father of all.' 

"While he was speaking a silvery voice 
sounded in my ear. 'Child of earth, be true 
to thyself.' What could it mean. Had my 
fervent prayer been answered, and must I abide 
by its counsel ? 

"Gathering strength, I said to him : 'I have 
prayed for light and this answer I received: 
"Child of earth, be true to thyself." Doubt of 
the truth of your teaching constantly arises be- 
fore me. My education has followed the his- 
tories of the past; to me, a seeker after 
light, a student in the natural relations of life, 
your creed is only a repetition of mythical 
idolatry. It seems to me like worshiping at 
the shrine of an idol fashioned by the hands 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 25 

of man. Your interpretations are too narrow 
to encompass the realization of life and intel- 
ligence. Why is it you ascribe to God, your 
Creator, to Christ, your Redeemer, all there 
is of wisdom and power, while we as children 
of that creation, and controlled by that wis- 
dom, are the only links in the chain of sub- 
stance that must be condemned, unless we con- 
form to the dictates of church and creed? 
Your Bible I have read. I have been taught 
from its pages, and lisped my childish prayer at 
my mother's knee. If justice is the fountain 
of mercy, why must I be condemned ?' 

"He gazed upon me in utter astonishment. 
My mother wept in agony of grief, moaning in 
piteous accents, 'Oh my child! my child! 
Where have you gained those ideas to engender 
such a feeling? Your father and I have fol- 
lowed the dictations of the church, and we 
have taught you its sacred calling, and now 
doubt arises, and you express yourself with 
almost a measure of contempt. Pray for her 
as you never prayed before, and may your pe- 
tition reach to the throne of mercy, and a voice, 
answer back her acceptance/ 

"I strove to answer, but a stupor of uncon- 
sciousness stole over me. Hours passed before 
restoration ensued. The doctor was called, 



20 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

nurse and attendants were summoned and all 
was confusion. 

"Now I will give you a history of my ex- 
perience while lying in that condition." 

"My darling! My more than friend," in- 
terrupted Miss Deorr, "I fear you are exhaust- 
ing yourself, and will be worse for the effort. 
Your history is awe-inspiring. I seem to be 
drawn nearer and nearer to the portals of a 
great reality. But rest a while, and take this 
cordial to soothe and strengthen you. Then 
you can recommence, and I will listen with 
rapt attention." 

Her breathing came and went as if a struggle 
were taking place to determine which should 
sustain the mastery, life or death; but con- 
sciousness held the ascendency, and after rest- 
ing for a time she recommenced. 

"I feel as though I must finish, or my lips 
will be sealed from utterance, and to you alone 
can I give this history of my experience, while 
passing through those unconscious hours. 

"I seemed separated from my material 
form, yet there was a connecting link that 
bound me to it. I seemed to be drawn away 
from earth and its scenes, yet a conscious 
identity remained. I was like one guided by 
a subtle essence of effect, not fearing, but being 
sustained and controlled by the attraction of 




Stooping, I plucked a beautiful flower. 






TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 2J 

love. It was but a moment and all nature ap- 
peared to rise before me. 

"Friends that I had known in childhood and 
the dear old grandparents were the first to 
welcome me. Greetings were exchanged and 
exclamations of joy were uttered. I stood 
amazed and wondering, as I recognized each 
one in the associations of my earth life, all 
beaming upon me the love and affection which 
was always manifest. 

" 'My darling child,' said my grandmother, 
'we have waited for your coming; it is best, 
and fear not. A lesson you will receive of the 
realities that lie before you, and memory shall 
connect the chain of transmission. You are 
not separated from your earthly form, only a 
suspension of the vital force of attraction suf- 
ficient to allow you to enter upon the scenes 
which to you soon will be home and happiness.' 

"Stupefied with wonder, I could not at first 
reply; but as consciousness gained control I 
was able to express my feelings. Can it be that 
I behold the friends of my earliest recollection ? 
Can it be the ones held dear in memory are a 
reality before me? Stooping, I plucked a 
beautiful flower, inhaling its perfume, and 
looking inquiringly for an explanation; the 
answer came. 'Here, as there, the subtle law 
of cause and effect infuses all things with life. 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 



The blossoming flower here, as there, attracts 
to itself its form and substance. Look around 
you and see the immensity of production ; wit- 
ness the reality that comes through the change 
called death. It is but a short time you can 
remain with us, and we have much to impress 
upon your mind as regards the naturalness of 
our life/ 

"We were entering a vine-clad bower, and 
seats being in readiness, they all arranged 
themselves in groups before me. My grand- 
parents were sitting on either side, holding my 
hands in a warm clasp of affection. Being 
weak, I could but listen to the messages they 
gave me. 

"There was one, a lady, tall and command- 
ing in form, and with an expression so perfect 
in its blending, I could but think that the ideal 
type of angel womanhood stood before me. 

"She said, 'I, too, have a message. Fail not 
to repeat it to my darling child, Eemil Deorr, 
your friend. The same cause that is changing 
your relation in life, caused my death; it was 
when she was a wee babe, nestling in the fond 
embrace of her mother. Words cannot express 
how I longed to live to shield and protect her, 
and, as I gazed into the depths of her eyes of 
blue, it left upon my heart the impression of 
that scene, the parting from her, the idol of 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 20, 

my being. It was I, in unison with the sym- 
pathies of earth and its sufferings, that called 
you to see the reality before you. Tell my 
child there is no death, only a change from 
one realization to another. Soon you must 
return to your anxious friends and weeping 
parents.' 

''She then placed before me what seemed 
to be a mirror ; and I beheld the scene that was 
being enacted in my parents' home. My mother 
was bending over me, calling with fond, en- 
dearing names for one more look of recog- 
nition. My father, bowed like a broken reed, 
seemed powerless to act. The physician was 
placing his hand upon my heart to feel if pul- 
sation had become extinct, assuring my mother 
that life still remained. The minister was 
seated by the side of my father, with the Bible 
in his hand, speaking to him the usual words 
of consolation. 

"The scene faded slowly from my sight, and 
I became conscious again of my surroundings. 
What was the joy of my parents to see that 
recognition had returned. When I am called 
again, the subtle cord will be severed; and 
then, what then? Can you tell? Speak, I 
must hear your answer." 

"What you have told me," said her friend, 
"surpasses my greatest imagination; the sub- 



30 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

ject has been one of deep interest to me. The 
loss of my mother before my remembrance has 
been one of great sorrow. I have planted 
flowers on her grave, the willow's drooping 
branches are over her headstone, and that is all 
that is real to me. Yet what you have pictured 
must be the truth. The loving sympathy of 
those that we have known could only draw 
you away, and gladden your sight with what 
we have sought to learn. You have aroused 
within me many ideas, far beyond the teach- 
ings of books, or the experiences of man. It 
is a vivid picture, painted by the hand of a 
master artist, which only truth can support. 

"My mind has been darkened, my compre- 
hension clouded, for my only anchor has been 
the teaching of Christ and Him crucified. I 
must speak plainly; to you I could only be 
true in my assertions. You have been blessed 
beyond measure, your soul has been lifted 
above the experiences of this life, and the 
golden harvest has been the union with friends 
and happiness. While it is a separation from 
us, the same path is open for all to follow. I 
am more than grateful for the message from 
my dearest mother. It shall be a jewel more 
precious to me than any that graces a mon- 
arch's crown. There is one request I would 
like to make. After the call is made that we 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 31 

are all expecting, will you try to prove to me 
that you still live?" 

"Yes," she answered, "if what I have seen 
proves a reality, and I still retain my memory 
of friends and home; if I meet those I have 
recognized in the beautiful relation that mem- 
ory holds; yes, if possible, I will bring to you 
that knowledge. I will come to you when the 
twilight rests over valley and plain; these 
words will I whisper in your ear, 'All is well.' 
Then you will know that I have remembered 
and can fulfill my promise." 

"Dearest Alice!" said Miss Deorr, "I am 
afraid you have overtaxed your strength ; per- 
haps I had better retire and leave you to the 
quiet of your nurse and attendant." 

"Oh ! do not go," replied Alice, "but call 
my mother; I have a few words for her. The 
message from her parents was brief yet most 
precious. You can prepare her to receive it, 
knowing the circumstances as I have related. 
I wish to rest for a short time." 

Miss Deorr stood hesitating, between the 
fear to leave her friend alone and the thought 
of how she could bring the subject within the 
mother's comprehension. Passing to Mrs. 
Moore's room, she gently rapped upon the door. 
A voice within bade her enter. 

"How is Alice?" was eagerly asked. 



32 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

"She has been resting between her intervals 
of conversation/' was the reply, "and she 
wished me to tell you of what we have been 
speaking." In as few words as possible, Miss 
Deorr related to the mother's astonished ear 
the history of her daughter's experience, adding 
the wish she had expressed for her presence. 

Hurrying forward, Mrs. Moore reached the 
bedside of her child, exclaiming, "Alice! dear 
Alice! What is it you would tell me? Such 
conflicting emotions are more than I can 
bear." 

"Be calm, dear mother, and sit beside me. 
The precious moments are passing away, and I 
must relieve my heart of its yearnings. The 
message from your parents was this : 'Wealth 
is not all of life, it does not fill up the measure 
of the heart's affection, but leaves a void that 
crushes the brightest hopes.' To you, my 
mother, I leave this legacy; surely you must 
understand its meaning. There is a void that 
nothing but sympathy, association and love can 
fill. The one that you have scorned and turned 
away from your home is the only one who 
could bring to me that measure of happiness. 
Before it is too late, would you, could you, 
grant me the dearest wish of my life? The 
presence of Harry. To him I would speak once 
more and take my last adieu. I cannot leave 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 33 

unsaid the words I have cherished for him; 
so deny me not, as I cannot rest." 

A smile of scorn wreathed her mother's 
lips. "Can it be that my daughter so far for- 
gets her pride of birth and of family as to 
place her affections upon one so far beneath 
her station ? Think better of it, my child. Cast 
from your heart his unworthy memory. Sooner 
would I lay you beneath the sod than witness 
such a mesalliance." 

"Your will is law, my mother. I will seek 
to gratify my wish no further. Yet I shall 
bear my love beyond this veil of sorrow. The 
spirit that pervades all sympathy will lead me 
to him then, though now separated by the false 
education which regards wealth as a barrier 
between myself and that true worth and manly 
principle that can be felt, though he does not 
possess his thousands. Where is Miss Deorr? 
I have one more request for her. A subtle 
change is creeping over me. The outlines of 
the future that I am to meet are faintly drawn 
upon the horizon of my destiny. It is not a 
sorrow, but a joy. Not the patriarchs of old, 
not the angels of which we have sung, not the 
God or Christ you have worshiped, but the 
parents that gave you life, are waiting to give 
me welcome. My hours are numbered. 



34 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

Gather around my bedside after my one wish, 
the presence of Miss Deorr, is granted." 

Sadly Mrs. Moore retraced her steps, with 
a heart laden with remorse, for she knew she 
had denied the expressed wish of her only 
child. Feeling of caste, not truth, was the 
conflict that held possession of her mind. 
"Why! Oh, why must I drain this bitter cup 
to its dregs ? Mercy, the law that crowns the 
salvation of mankind, has failed to teach me 
the lesson of submission." 

As she entered the room she met the in- 
quiring look of Eemil. "She wishes your 
presence alone. Go, and may your words of 
sympathy heal the wound that circumstances 
could not set aside." 

Like a ray of sunshine piercing the gloom 
of a clouded sky was the presence of Eemil to 
Alice. 

"Hold your ear close to my lips. Tell Harry 
my last memory was for him. My last wish 
was that I might carry with me the image of 
his expressed affection. Fate, cruel fate, has 
been unrelenting; but the eye that sees no 
death has within it a prophetic vision. This is 
to you dear, a secret. He soon will follow, 
and together in spirit we can realize the asso- 
ciation that earth has denied us. See" — as the 
red stream oozed from her lips — "my time has 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 35 

come. Call " These were the last words 

uttered by the loved one. 

Father and mother, nurse and friends, 
watched with bated breath the receding tide of 
life. 

When all was over, the father prayed in a 
broken voice, "Thou, in Thine infinite wisdom, 
hast seen fit to take from us the jewel Thou 
hast given us ; we humbly bow in submission to 
Thy will. From Thee alone did the jewel 
come ; to Thee alone must it be returned. Thy 
will be done, now, as ever. Amen." 

Silently, with grief portrayed in every move- 
ment, the father and the mother left the room 
to seek the seclusion of their own apartment, 
there to pour out their pent-up feelings in a 
flood of tears. 

To Eemil was left the sad office known to 
all. She, with the faithful nurse and attend- 
ant, robed with tender hands the form of Alice. 
"Go, gather the sweetest flowers as an em- 
blem of the purity of the life that has fled. 
Wreathe them in fitting symbols of her life and 
her virtue. Pure was the stream that fed the 
fountain of her mind. To her the unknown is 
a reality." Thus speaking, Eemil placed the 
flowers above the brow and arranged others 
within her clasped hand as a token of the truth 
she had revealed. Beautiful was the picture in 



36 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

death as in life, and now all that she could do 
for the loved, but not lost one, was done. She 
felt that time would bring the promise that 
Alice had so faithfully made her. "When the 
shadows rest upon the valley and plain, I shall 
listen for the message." 

Taking one more look, she turned from the 
room, not a sadder, but a wiser woman. 

She retraced her steps to her home, and in 
the privacy of her own room pondered over 
the message she had received from her mother, 
she wrote in glowing words the history that 
Alice had given her. To-morrow the last rites 
would be performed. The narrow bed, the 
mound of earth, would be left as a monitor to 
others. 

While pondering upon this experience, the 
door bell sounded with alarming distinctness. 
"Who can it be?" thought Eemil. "Perhaps 
it is Harry. Poor boy! How I pity him." 
A servant entered the room and presented a 
visiting card. Glancing, she read his name, 
and beneath, in penciled words, "Will you 
grant me an interview?" The maid was await- 
ing her mistress' decision. "Go, Kate, and 
say I will be down immediately." 

Entering the room she was met by Harry; 
his face pale, and voice trembling with emo- 
tion, as he exclaimed: "Can it be that fate 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 37 

has been so cruel ? You know all, Miss Doerr ; 
to you I can speak with confidence. Alice was 
dearer to me than life, but now she is lost, and 
I can see her no more. I waited, hoping that 
I would be called to her bedside; but that 
precious boon was denied me." 

He reeled, then fell forward upon the floor. 
Startled beyond measure, Eemil rushed from 
the room calling upon her servants for assist- 
ance. One was dispatched for a physician, 
while others raised the prostrate form and laid 
it upon a couch. Life seemed to have given 
away. Restoratives were applied, yet to no 
avail. 

Hurriedly the physician entered. After 
placing his fingers upon the pulse he looked 
startled and perplexed. "Why is this, and 
what could have caused such utter prostra- 
tion?" he inquired. "I fear that he may never 
be restored, but I will do all I can, though no 
sign of life is visible." 

They worked diligently, chafing the cold 
hands and applying the different remedies used 
in extreme cases. When hope had almost fled, 
a shiver ran through the inanimate form, a 
moan, piteous to hear, escaped his pallid lips. 

"He is returning to consciousness, but I 
cannot answer for such an attack; the conse- 
quences, I fear, will be most serious. His 



38 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

friends should be summoned to his assistance 
before delirium takes control of his reason," 
said the physician. 

"Friends he has none," said Miss Deorr. 
"Harry was an only child. Both parents are 
sleeping in yonder churchyard. I have known 
him since a wee boy. I shall take the responsi- 
bility of his care and comfort upon myself. 
The cause of his attack is best known to me. 
No one can sympathize with his misfortune 
or understand the nobility of his nature better 
than I. Let us hope that his illness will not 
be protracted, but whatever it may be, we were 
friends in childhood and his friend in mis- 
fortune I remain." Turning to a servant in 
waiting, she said, "Go prepare a room and have 
all in readiness for his comfort." After a short 
time the maid returned, announcing everything 
in order. 

"Peter, call assistance, then carry Mr. Leroy 
and place him in bed. You, doctor, do all that 
is within your power to assist my friend. You 
asked the cause of this sudden prostration. I 
have but one answer, — Alice. They were be- 
trothed, but their engagement was not ap- 
proved by her parents, whose proud spirits 
could not sanction their daughter's marriage to 
a poor mechanic. To-day she is lying in 
death, while he, poor boy, is trembling upon 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 39 

the verge. What the end will be, only time 
can reveal. To you, doctor, I give the secret, 
hoping it will touch your sympathies for this, 
your second patient." 

"I will do all that medical skill can accom- 
plish," replied the doctor," yet I have my doubts, 
for certain symptoms are most alarming. With 
your permission I will see him again." 

Peter and his assistant had disrobed and 
placed in bed the half-conscious man. 



40 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 



CHAPTER II. 

ALICE MOORE AWAKENS IN HER GRAND- 
PARENTS' HOME. 

The picture of life has many colorings. 
Here, in a world of sorrow, the hand of time 
blends together many a scene. Hearts to-day 
are pulsating with glad realization, and to- 
morrow their idol lies shattered at their feet. 
Hope, the ideal phantom, seems the only com- 
fort to the wounded spirit, and at the bedside 
of the suffering, it ever whispers, "They will 
be better tomorrow." When death robs us 
of our friends, hope tells us, "They are happy ; 
their sorrow and suffering is over. Change 
has wrought with them a miracle of results." 

But we will trace with a painter's hand the 
reality that comes to all. While the funeral 
rites are taking place, we will seek the other 
side of the picture. Once more we will visit 
the home of the grandparents of Alice. 

In a curtained alcove on a couch of snowy 
whiteness lies the material form born to recog- 
nition through the change called death, that 
has taken place. Beside her with watchful 
tenderness, are the friends she saw in her 
vision. She seems unconscious, yet her breath- 
ing is measured and regular. 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 41 

A woman stands watching the process of 
nature's restoration, knowing that life is con- 
centrating in heart and brain. In waiting ex- 
pectation, the mother of Eemil sits at the foot 
of the couch. Well she knows the crisis is past, 
and with health again restored, the vital current 
will be no more disturbed by the action of 
discord. Health and happiness will be the sure 
reward. There is no weeping over the birth 
of Alice, no sadness over the few days that 
must intervene before she will be able to take 
her place among the scenes and associations of 
her new home. No shadow can darken her on- 
ward progress, but to her will come the gradual 
recognition of the destiny of human events. 

The grandparents converse quietly while 
watching the scene that is being enacted in the 
home of their child, as seen through a sensitive 
reflector. Within their room are the parents 
of Alice, the mother draped in the habiliments 
of mourning. Weak and trembling, she falters 
the few words that necessity compels her to 
speak. The hearse is at the door, and carriages 
stand in waiting. Friends are in readiness to 
accompany them to the church, where the 
funeral service is to take place. 

While they are on the way, we will precede 
them. Here, too, have loving hands expressed 
the affections of the heart. Beautiful flowers 



42 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

decorate the altar ; bouquets, arranged here and 
there are fitting symbols of the springtime of 
life. The minister, the Rev. Holden, awaits 
their coming. His Bible lies open before him, 
the choir is arranged in position, and all things 
are covered with a mantle of gloom. Slowly 
comes the measured tread of those bearing the 
casket, which is gently placed upon the rest. 
The mother and father take their places at the 
head, while those nearest in friendship are 
seated at the foot. When all is in readiness, 
silence prevails, and in measured tones the 
funeral service is read, followed by a song 
appropriate for the occasion, and accompanied 
by the deep toned organ, whose notes accord 
with the feelings of friends and mourners. As 
the last strain ceases to echo through the 
church, a prayer is offered to Him, the Father 
of the fatherless, and the comforter of those 
that mourn, asking that he will receive the 
quickened spirit into the arms of His great 
love. 

Words of consolation by the reverend 
speaker are offered to the weeping parents, re- 
peating these words : "Whom the Lord loveth 
he chasteneth; blessed be the name of the 
Lord." Invoking a blessing upon all, they 
prepare to consign the form of the loved one 
to her last resting place. 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 43 

While the grandparents were .watching this 
scene of earth the subtle elements of effect 
were operating through the frame of Alice. 
Moving, she uttered the word, "Harry." The 
quiet is broken. "The scene is over, the drama 
played and, now for the sequel," said Mr. 
Layton. Then turning to the woman who 
had her in charge he asked, "How is our little 
pet progressing?" 

"It will require one more magnetic thrill to 
arouse her to the consciousness of her sur- 
roundings," she replied. "She has spoken the 
name of him that was last in her thought as 
the vibration of effect receded to its center. 
Within this result is embodied one of the 
grandest problems in nature. Here we see a 
representation expressed, not a death, but a 
perfecting individuality, a continuation of the 
life begun on earth. Soon memory in all of 
its varied measures will pulsate through the 
harmony of inspiration's change; nothing lost, 
but all to gain. 

"Time, the all conqueror, will change the 
order of cause and effect, so that a rational 
understanding can be brought to bear. It is 
the desire of the heart, and of all progressive 
intelligence to attract to its center the people 
and friends in earth life, reaching out into the 
depths of change sufficiently to draw an ob- 



44 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

ject to its control. There they are covered with 
a mantle of superstition, giving to an idol 
the praise due to common humanity; but the 
spirit of truth must exercise its power, and 
unveil the clouded reason of mankind. Then 
the scenes we have witnessed to-day will cease 
to take place. Not clad in the habiliments of 
mourning; no weeping, no pointing to a God, 
a Christ or a Heaven, but a confidence in the 
power that is expressed through invisible cause 
to guide, govern and control each change as it 
takes place in the order of time." 

"My daughter is bowed in grief," said Mr. 
Layton, "and has nowhere to look for com- 
fort, no reality to control the measure of effect 
to balance the reason, and reveal the truth. 
She looks upon her separation from Alice as a 
void that cannot be filled. Her teaching has 
been what so many others have received, that 
her child is separated beyond the power of 
recognition or return. Death they look upon 
as an enemy that takes their loved ones 
through the silent portals, where no voice can 
answer back in response to their wails and 
tears of mourning. 

"It has been said and oft repeated, 'They 
have passed to that bourne from which none 
can return/ Death leads out into the darkness, 
no ray of light penetrating its gloom to show 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 45 

the path which their feet have trodden. This 
picture has been impressed upon the human 
mind from pulpit and stage ; it has been taught 
in the family circle, and portrayed in vivid 
colors from generation to generation, until 
death is counted the greatest disaster that can 
occur." 

"Yes," said the healer, "through the influ- 
ence of the teachings of the past, death is so 
regarded, but the reality is beautiful to con- 
template. We see here to-day a representa- 
tion of the power of nature's law, and how this 
bud of promise came to bloom in the garden of 
nature's repose. Her life will be filled with 
the measure of almost sublime reality. A few 
more notes of discord, then the instrument can 
be tuned to perfect harmony." 

Placing her hand over the region of the 
heart, a subtle thrill infused the vital centers, 
the effect being to restore Alice to a more 
natural condition. Seeing this, the healer 
withdrew. 

Her eyes opened, and recognition rested 
within their depths. A faint smile wreathed 
her lips, while a pleased expression passed over 
her face. 

"You are here. It must all be true," she 
said in a satisfied tone. 

Mrs. Deorr came to her side and looked 
down upon her in glad recognition; stooping, 



46 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

she gently kissed her brow, saying, "I will 
leave you now to the care of your grand- 
parents." 

Days passed away and each one brought to 
Alice a measure of restoration. In the associ- 
ation of friends, in the contemplation of the 
life before her, and in the memory of the past, 
her time was filled and her senses quickened. 

Turning to her grandmother one day she 
said : "Would it be possible for me to see the 
scenes of earth, the home of my parents, and to 
know what has become of Harry? My past 
experience has not been a dream. Its reality 
is vividly impressed upon my mind. While 
restoration is assuming control, it teaches me 
I am the same. Death, or what they call death, 
has only broken the union of association there, 
and reunited here the former ties of affection. 
Would that my parents could know the truth. 
Yet, I feel that the seed was sown, an impres- 
sion made, and that to them can come the 
knowledge. What say you?" 

"My child," was the reply, "you have di- 
vined the truth. The superstition of your 
parents must be overcome through the changes 
that time is constantly producing. Instead of 
darkness they must seek the light. When that 
takes place, the veil will be lifted, the same 
cause will reach each one and every household. 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 47 

Joy will take the place of sorrow, and reason 
must overcome the false teachings that an all 
powerful Being rules and guides the destiny of 
time. 

"You will visit the home of your childhood, 
and there unite the chain of loving association ; 
and by your presence, remove all doubts." 

"That will be an object worth striving for," 
answered Alice. "I know they consider my 
loss beyond reparation. Being their only 
child, they centered their more than affection 
upon me, and the possibility of the blending of 
association will brighten each coming hour." 

"Do not think, my child, that you can win 
that victory without a struggle," impressively 
said Mrs. Layton. "There is much for you to 
learn before the object can be accomplished. 
You understand the prejudice of your parents 
against the idea of any communication between 
the two planes. The church holds the ascend- 
ency of power through all branches of control, 
and its effect is to crush and mislead all 
thought of such a possibility." 

"Yes," slowly replied Alice, "I understand 
that is the case. Whenever this subject was 
discussed at home, my parents would express 
themselves most emphatically as opposed to the 
truth of such a communication. Yet I feel 
that great as the obstacle may be, there is 
power in the intricate resources of nature that 



48 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

can overcome it. When and how, is more than 
I can tell." 

"You are a child, controlled by natural in- 
spiration that impresses upon your sensitive 
brain what is termed the spirit of prophecy," 
answered her grandmother. "Your thoughts 
reach out and unite with the chain of cause and 
effect. The result to you will be a wide range 
of observation and power to execute." 

"My first ambition is to witness the scenes 
that are transpiring in the association of home 
and friends," said Alice. "Home, I say, for 
to me it is hard to realize that the boundary 
has yet been crossed that will hold me here; 
I cannot feel that the chain of sympathy is 
broken. It is more like taking a journey to, 
and witnessing the scenes of, a tropical clime. 
Here, as I sit, I can look out and witness the 
varied expressions of nature, as they change 
according to light and shadow produced. The 
busy hum of voices are within hearing, and 
the warbling of the feathered songster is the 
same that greeted me that last morning in my 
own home. My coming is to me a mystery. 
My mind is crowded to overflowing with what 
has taken place." 

"You have entered the arena of a broad ex- 
perience, my dear child," replied Mrs. Layton, 
"but recuperation must be perfected in all of 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 49 

its relations, e'er you will be equal to the efforts 
before you. The time that necessitates your 
restoration will be passed to-morrow at 10 
o'clock; then you can visit the gardens with 
me, also take a short drive in the country." 

"Oh!" said Alice, "that will be a pleasure 
indeed. I feel as a little child just entering a 
school to learn the first a, b, c of life." 

"This is a school where the law of nature 
and intelligence can be analyzed," was the 
reply. "Labor is one source of physical satis- 
faction. Here is blended the association of 
natural research. A practical test of an in- 
vention will be made to-day, which we will 
witness as soon as you are able." 

"Invention !" exclaimed Alice, "can it be pos- 
sible that inventions are produced here?" 

"Why not ? Is there not as much intelligence 
expressed here as there? Have not the capa- 
bilities of natural inventors of your plane been 
intensified by their change from that life to 
this? Yes," continued Mrs. Layton, "inven- 
tions take place here as well as there. The 
only difference is that here woman takes an 
active part in the finer complications of the 
machinery. The one that we shall visit I am 
associated with, giving one-hundredth part of 
its proportion. It belongs to the mental, colos- 



50 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

sal form, that requires thirty-six operators, or 
inventors." 

"Why ! grandmother, you astonish me more 
than I can express. If memory serves me right, 
you manifested no such genius in your earthly 
home." 

"That is true," was the sad reply, "for there 
I was bound by the fetters of mental control. 
I thought that all such things belonged to man 
and his Maker. If my mind had been free to 
act, my natural inspiration holding control 
would have produced a full measure of results. 
Thus my life would have been prolonged, and 
there, as well as here, I should have been recog- 
nized as one of the inventive geniuses of the 
age. 

"Through the influence I have just men- 
tioned, we lose the best part of our intelligence 
and design, thus a vacuum is caused, the result 
of which is to produce sickness of two classes, 
one debilitating the body, the other the mind. 
As you unite with the association here, it will 
enable you to understand my meaning. We 
have lectures upon the philosophy of life, and 
the science of nature. We have the privilege 
of general discussion, also demonstration, por- 
traying the exact representation of the evolu- 
tion of form." 

"Evolution!" interrupted Alice, "Do you 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 51 

recognize that as a science? Why I attended 
a lecture upon that subject, which seemed in- 
comprehensible to me, it failing to leave any 
impression of truth upon my mind." 

"The reason of that, Alice, was, the subject 
under control had only an indistinct idea of 
the question and its magnitude. It will be 
more thoroughly understood in time.' , 

"Hark!" exclaimed Alice, "I hear voices." 

"Yes," was the reply, "there are some guests 
expected at this hour, Mrs. Deorr and the 
parents of your betrothed, Harry Leroy. They 
are coming to make your acquaintance, know- 
ing that you will be able to receive them. Be- 
sides, you need the strength of the association 
that they will bring." 

The silvery chime of the door bell was heard, 
and Mrs. Layton arose to give them welcome. 
Social greetings were exchanged as she led 
them to her grand-daughter. Introductions 
were given, and an hour was spent in pleasant 
conversation. 

As they arose to leave, Mrs. Leroy said, 
"We are glad to receive you in our midst, and 
will expect you to return our call as soon as 
you are strong enough." 

"Certainly," answered Alice, "I anticipate 
great pleasure in your acquaintance." Mr. and 



52 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

Mrs. Leroy then withdrew, leaving the three 
ladies together. 

"My coming to-day, dear Alice, has not 
been altogether without a necessity," remarked 
Mrs. Deorr. "There is something I wish to 
show you respecting your earth-friends." 

"I would be only too glad to receive any 
news of them," was the reply. 

"In order that you may more fully under- 
stand, I will now show you a scene that is 
transpiring there." Rising as she spoke, Mrs. 
Deorr took from the table an instrument and 
placed it in front of Alice, who exclaimed, 
"Oh, this is the same! Then I do remember 
correctly !" 

Mrs. Deorr adjusted its magnet, united the 
chain, and the scene was before her. 

"This is the home of Eemil, my daughter. 
Now we will enter." 

Passing through the hall, a door at the right 
was standing ajar. 

"Oh, oh, what suffering ! Can it be that that 
emaciated form is Harry Leroy? What de- 
vastation a few days have accomplished!" she 
murmured, as she bowed her head and the im- 
pulse of loving association was produced. 

By the bedside sat Eemil, watching with 
tender care, anticipating the wants of the suf- 
fering man. 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 53 

"Listen," explained Mrs. Deorr, "in a short 
time he will be with us, so you may prepare to 
meet him. He will be received at his parents' 
home, they being aware of his coming. With 
my best wishes I will now leave you, as I have 
an engagement for the evening." 

Alice sat in wondering silence, conning the 
incidents of the past and wondering what 
that experience would bring to her. She could 
not feel the sadness that pervades the mind of 
those on earth who witness the suffering of 
friends. A sweet sense of peace blended with 
hope infused her being; while she anticipated 
once more meeting the idol of her affection, 
and realized that no obstacle would intervene 
between them. All of pain that she felt was in 
the knowledge of the suffering he was passing 
through. To-morrow, she thought, the neces- 
sity for my seclusion will be overcome. I 
know my strength is increasing. My mind be- 
comes clearer and clearer. "Only a little 
longer," a voice whispered, "and all will be 
well." 



54 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

CHAPTER III. 

THE SICK CHAMBER OF HARRY LEROY. 

The physician, followed by Miss Deorr, 
entered the room to which Harry had been 
carried. Bending over him, he carefully noted 
the rapid beating of the pulse, while the 
swollen veins seemed almost ready to burst 
with their pressure. Looking up, he said, 
"Brain fever." 

There was no recognition expressed by 
Harry; only a moan told of his suffering. 

"I fear," said the doctor, "we have a case 
which will require our strictest attention and 
most careful management. I would advise a 
professional nurse to assist you, and will leave 
a soothing draught that you may give him 
as often as once in every half hour. The utmost 
quiet must be observed. Use your own judg- 
ment as far as care and nursing are concerned. 
You must have assistance at your command, 
as delirium probably will assume a violent 
form." 

The hours came and went, and days passed, 
while Eemil watched the fluctuating tide of 
life. Not once had Harry recognized her, or 
any of his attendants. He constantly called 
the name of Alice, and begged to see her once 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 55 

more. At other times he would rave in wild- 
est delirium, living over the scenes of the past, 
in which the parents of Alice were most deeply 
censured. With Eemil there was no hope of 
his recovery. She remembered the dying 
words of Alice, although not then realizing 
they would so soon be fulfilled. 

This was the tenth day since prostration took 
place and his symptoms were most alarming. 
His delirium had given place to a glimmer of 
reason. 

"I hope consciousness will return long 
enough for me to repeat the message of Alice," 
mused Eemil. "Poor girl! Poor boy! A 
sad scene in the drama has been played. False 
teaching as to what constitutes true nobility 
has been the cause. Soon the closing scene 
will be enacted, as the physician has certainly 
given up all hope of his recovery." While thus 
pondering she was startled to hear her name 
pronounced by Harry. 

"Is there anything I can do ?" she answered. 

"Yes ; can you answer the question I asked ? 
Did she ask for me in the last moments of her 
life and did they scorn my presence, and refuse 
her last request?" 

"Do not talk," said Eemil, "you are weak. 
You have had a severe illness, and have been 
unconscious for days. I think you have not 
at any time realized your situation." 



56 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

"My last memory was of our meeting in the 
parlor," returned Harry. "My first thought 
was of the question then asked. Knowing that 
my hours are numbered, I would express my 
last wish, and what I say must be said at once. 
I am alone, with but few friends to mourn. 
Place me beside my parents and commend my 
soul to the Father of all." 

"There is one thing," quietly responded 
Eemil, "a message was left you by Alice. She 
said, Tell Harry he was last in my thought 
and memory/ There was much in the ex- 
perience of her last sickness that was a proof 
positive of a future existence. The veil was 
lifted while the beautiful beyond was portrayed 
to her vision. I will, through sympathy, com- 
mend you to the care of your parents, and the 
loved ones that await your coming." 

"Can that be so ?" exclaimed Harry. "Does 
my Alice stand at the portal ? Do the parents 
that memory holds dear await to welcome me? 
And you, my more than friend, have you proof 
that this is a truth?" 

"Yes, Harry, my full confidence is centered 
upon that reality. Soon I shall expect the re- 
turn of Alice to verify my belief." 

"Return!" interrupted Harry. "Can that 
be?" 

"Yes," was the reply. "There is no road 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 57 

which our footsteps tread but admits of a re- 
turn. Obstacles there may be, though none 
so great but they can be overcome. Love, the 
magnet that attracts friends, will bring her 
back to me, not to dwell as in the days that are 
past, but to prove she has a thinking, reason- 
ing existence." 

"A beautiful light has dawned. The burden 
is lifted, and I rejoice to go," said Harry. 
"There is nothing to lose but all to gain. Fear 
of what we call death has always haunted my 
mind. It seemed like stepping out of light 
into a dark abyss, with no one to guide the 
freed soul in its wandering. What you have 
said has bridged that gulf and taken away the 
feeling of loneliness. As you have said before, 
a road which we travel should also admit of re- 
turn. If that is so, we will watch over your 
welfare, and guide your feet into paths per- 
fumed by the essence of affection." 

"I fear you are exerting yourself too much," 
anxiously said Eemil. "Rest, and then if 
there is any wish you feel like expressing, tell 
me, and it shall be granted." 

"There is one. It will require the assistance 
of legal counsel. To you I owe all. To you 
my all shall be given. Would it were more." 

"What I have done for you," she answered, 
"we owe to each other as brother and sister in 



58 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

this great world of sorrow. Have you no rela- 
tives?" 

"I have only one," was the reply, "a distant 
cousin. She is a widow, living in the far 
West." 

"Do not think that I fail to appreciate your 
intentions," said Eemil, "but I have plenty and 
shall never know want. What I have done 
for you will ever be a source of satisfaction, 
and it will help to cheer my hours of waiting 
before I, too, am called to meet my loved ones. 
Leave to your widowed relative what you 
would bestow upon me." 

"Your wish is law," replied Harry. 

The twilight was resting upon the valley, and 
the silence of repose seemed to infuse all sur- 
roundings. A few friends had called and 
were watching the ebbing life of their young 
companion. Sadness pervaded every heart. 
The light was fading from his eyes, and the 
form once so active, was fast becoming still. 
Soon the narrow bed would be all that was left 
to them but memory. 

While the subtle cord is being severed, and 
the vibration receding to the balance of form, 
we will precede the result, and visit the home 
of Harry's parents. It is situated at the base 
of a low range of hills, in a little sequestered 
nook and is a veritable paradise of peace. A 




The Home of Harry's Parents. 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 59 

little brook sings its daily song as its rippling 
waters glide away in the distance. Within 
friends are assembled waiting for the advent 
of the dear one, whose earth-scenes are closing, 
and whom nature will soon place within their 
midst. A cot is placed in the center of the 
room; around it a curtain is drawn, which 
completely hides it from view. 

One of the number is directing the object 
to be attained. Seats for the ladies are ar- 
ranged in a half circle, and opposite for the 
gentlemen a like position. While the one 
stands with a hand resting upon the table near 
by, silence pervades the room. The ticking of 
the clock gives the number of passing moments. 

A slight sound is heard; the director 
stepping forward, parts the curtain, and ex- 
claims, "He is here." The ladies arise and 
withdraw, leaving Harry to the care of the 
gentlemen. 

"We must now proceed to the work of res- 
toration," continued the one who controlled the 
result to be accomplished. After drawing the 
curtain aside, he places his hand over the 
region of the heart, and also upon the vital 
center of effect, which is at the base of the 
brain, and feels a slight thrill that pervades the 
form of Harry. "Nature is answering to the 
touch," he announces. 



60 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

Thus they watch each passing change, noting 
the measure of respiration, also the increase 
of pulsation while the natural warmth is in- 
fusing body and brain. 

"This utter prostration denotes the suffer- 
ing that the physical body has passed through, 
and the chemical effects that are produced in 
the oft repeated changes in the medicine given," 
explains the director. "It will require twenty 
days of seclusion, with only a few friends ad- 
mitted, for the full measure of restoration to 
take place." 

Once more placing his hands upon Harry, a 
greater effect is produced. Motion is thus 
established. "The next will be to unite the 
vibration of sound," he says. "Now we have 
motion which produces warmth, pulsation, cir- 
culation, vibration and life; and the union of 
vibration will produce the sound desired. The 
first word he utters will be the last one ex- 
pressed in earth-life." 

Silently they watch and wait for the incom- 
ing tide of life, that life being the power 
brought to bear to restore their child to health 
and gladden their home with his presence. 

Years have passed since the change was 
made that placed them beyond the power of 
caring for their little one. They know his 
memory of them is only from that which 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 6l 

friends have related to him, he being too young 
to retain their image. His education has been 
such that it has debarred the inclination to 
seek to prove the possibility of a return. Often 
have they sought to reach him, yet ever failed, 
as through the influence of unbalanced control 
strangers received the message, not knowing 
where to place it, or to whom it belonged. 
Through this result, darkness obscured the 
way, and blindness has failed to perceive its 
truth. Whereas, by the recognition of the 
continuation of life, the burden would have 
been lifted for many a suffering one and the 
current of all sorrow been changed to joy. 

Bitter, sometimes, had been the experience 
of Harry; but now not the "king of terrors," 
but a law, natural in its results, has placed him 
within their house and home, where their 
watchful tenderness can bring to him the 
soothing balm so sorely needed. Restoration 
was steadily increasing through the ministra- 
tions of natural effect. His lips move, and he 
faintly utters the name of "Alice." 

"This is as it should be," says the director. 
"The union of assimilating relation on this 
plane is made. What pride and position sepa- 
rated on earth, change will unite here in the 
harmonies of life. As soon as consciousness 
is fully restored, it will be necessary to sum- 



62 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

mon the young lady to his bedside. This asso- 
ciation will do much toward perfecting the 
change." 

The sound of voices seems to arouse Harry. 
Opening his eyes, he gazes in wistful expecta- 
tion from one to the other, sighing, "Not 
here?" 

The director, divining his meaning, quietly 
answers : "Not here, but waiting." 

"Where am I?" questions Harry. 

"You are in the home of your parents," is 
the reply. "This is the father that waited to 
receive you ; and your mother is near to claim 
your recognition." 

Harry gazes upon his father as if trying to 
recall his image to mind, but fails, as his parents 
had passed away when he was too young to 
remember them. His strength is rapidly in- 
creasing as the vital current pulses through 
heart and brain ; a conscious realization of those 
around him becomes more and more apparent, 
though weakness admits only of broken sen- 
tences. Placing his hand in that of his father, 
he breathes a deep sigh of content as he says : 
"We are united and the continuation of the 
blessing of life is for all." 

"Yes, my son," is the answer, "the blessing 
of life is for all." 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 63 

"My mother, where is she?" is the next 
question. 

"She is waiting in the next room, and will 
immediately come to you," said he. 

There is a light footstep and his mother is 
bending over him, her face illuminated with 
love, and he meets her look with one of happy 
contentment, saying, "It must be so ! Father, 
mother and Alice. How could I ask for 
more ?" 

"I will now retire and leave him in your 
care," said the director to Mrs. Leroy. "All 
is done that necessity requires. Such a scene 
is not new to you, nor are its results a mys- 
tery. Admit a few friends whose associations 
will be beneficial. As his strength increases, 
and mind becomes more active, let your con- 
versation be such that it will prepare him for 
the realities before him." Bidding them a 
kind adieu he departs. 



Note — This scene is an outline of what takes place 
with the millions who awaken to the consciousness of 
the change they have made. It is a problem that only 
science can fathom. There is no mystery too deep for 
the human mind to penetrate, and what is known upon 
the next plane of progress can also be taught and 
understood here upon this plane. It will be to every 
one a stepping stone that will take them away from 
dread and fear; they will know when longevity is 
filled, — the birth of continuation is their law, and the 
awakening is their inheritance. 



64 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

CHAPTER IV. 

THE CONFLICTING THOUGHTS OF MRS. MOORE. 

After the death of Harry Leroy the broken- 
hearted Eemil went to her room and gave vent 
to her pent-up feelings. Life to her had been 
one of sunshine; naught had come to mar the 
aspirations of her mind, but now she had been 
called upon to part with two of her dearest 
friends, Alice Moore and Harry Leroy. 

Drawing toward her the record she had 
transmitted to paper, she read again the mes- 
sage from her mother. Sweet, indeed, were 
those cherished words. A thrill of light 
seemed to penetrate her whole being. 

Raising her eyes, she discovered two forms 
standing before her. With faltering voice she 
asked, "Who are you?" 

One said, "My dearest child, I am your 
mother." 

"And I," said the other, "am the mother of 
Harry Leroy. I come to thank you for your 
kindness to him, and also to unite the blessing 
of human relations. My time is brief; what I 
say must be said at once. My child, my treas- 
ure, is a member of our house and home. Safe 
within our care, he soon will be nursed back 
to health and happiness." 




One said, "My dearest child, I am your mother." "And 
I," said the other, "am the mother of Harry Leroy." 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 65 

While speaking the form faded from Eemil's 
sight, but her mother still remained. 

She tenderly said, "To you, my child, I 
come. I watched over your childhood with a 
mother's loving care, yet ever failed to reach 
your plane of life, so that you could recognize 
me. My time, too, is short, and what I say 
must be said quickly. Tell the parents of 
Alice Moore it is not far distant when they 
can see and understand her position, and to 
you, my child, the promise she made shall be 
fulfilled. 

"Tell your father what you have seen and 
heard. It is necessary that he, too, should 
understand there is no death, no darkness, only 
that which veils the perceptions of mortals. " 
Like a vision she faded from sight. 

Stunned, bewildered, Eemil exclaimed: 
"Could I have been dreaming? No, that is 
impossible. My senses were only quickened 
by their presence. Each sentence is stamped 
upon my brain, while memory holds it fast. 
Can it be the veil of uncertainty is being lifted, 
and the gulf spanned by friends, anxious 
through the love they manifested in earth-life 
towards us, their children? What a beautiful 
light has dawned from that other side, filling 
my soul with a peace that never rested there 
before, and inspiring me with the longing to 



66 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

seek farther into the realities that I know exist. 
Why have our lives been clouded with so much 
uncertainty ? Why have the mists of past ages 
shut from our sight the visions of that far off 
shore? Yet, can I say it is a far off shore 
when its inspirations filled the soul of Alice 
with its beautiful realizations, with the picture 
of home and friends, breathing within her 
sensitive being the love that each one mani- 
fested ? 

"The message for the parents of Alice, how 
can it be delivered? The obstacles that in- 
tervene seem greater than can be overcome, 
yet I will be true to the trust, for through it 
I see a great good can be accomplished. True 
it will arouse a spirit of antagonism at first, 
but in union there is strength, and those that 
have intrusted me with the message can and 
will assist me to accomplish it. It has lifted 
a burden from my heart, a doubt that has rested 
there from childhood. Though never expressed 
by me, this thought has often arisen within 
my mind: 'Can this be all there is of life, all 
there is of intelligence, and all there is of 
happiness ?' But time has brought many 
changes, and, through those changes, taught 
me the most beautiful lesson of my life; and 
willingly will I impart it to others. When the 
last sad rites are performed for Harry, then 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 6? 

all will be done that friends and sympathy can 
accomplish. Yet I know that added work will 
follow the return of Alice to me. I shall listen 
at the appointed hour with full expectation, 
feeling confident her message will be received. 
What heart history it will reveal to Alice and 
Harry. Death uniting what life had separated. 
Oh ! could my soul but be lifted into the realms 
of inspiration, so that I could breathe forth the 
intensity of my feelings !" 

Thus Eemil pondered, until a low rap upon 
her door warned her that some one sought ad- 
mittance. Opening the door she beheld the 
mother of Alice, pale and trembling with the 
emotion she could not conceal. Sobbing, she 
moaned, "Can it be, can it be? Oh that I 
could call back those fearful hours! Would 
that I could undo what fate seemed to compel 
me to perform. But it is too late, too late! 
I have come, dear Eemil, to see if you could 
breathe into my saddened heart one ray of con- 
solation." 

"Let me assist you to a seat, Mrs. Moore, 
and while you are resting perhaps we can find 
the silver lining to this cloud of sorrow." 

"Oh Eemil ! Dear Eemil ! How can you be 
so cheerful under this weight of affliction? 
You look as if an angel had visited you and 
revealed to you the pearly gates of Paradise. 



68 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

Would that I could see my Alice once more! 
Yet that can never be. 'The cup is drained to 
its dregs,' and I am left alone." 

"Be calm, Mrs. Moore," replied Eemil. 
"Drink this wine, and I will tell you my ex- 
perience, and why I cannot feel like mourning 
for those who have so silently left us. Do not 
think I rejoice, do not think I do not miss 
their presence. They were the dearest friends 
of my childhood, and the nearest to me in our 
social relations. The die is cast, and we must 
submit to the inevitable, yet this great sorrow 
can bring to us some beautiful lessons." 

"Oh, Eemil!" returned Mrs. Moore, "what 
can you mean? Surely you do not place any 
confidence in the delirium of the last hours of 
my child. Do not be misled. It would be like 
building your house upon the sands to believe 
the delusions of a dying girl. Do not lose 
sight of our anchor of hope — Christ, and His 
redeeming grace. In Him alone can we hope 
to receive pardon for our transgressions. 
Faith in Him is all that I have to sustain me." 

"I know we have been taught as you have 
said," replied Eemil, "yet it seems like placing 
our confidence in a phantom that is always 
fleeing before us, ever keeping beyond our 
reach. To me it is a vague, uncertain picture ; 
revealing nothing, yet asking all. You speak 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 69 

of the delirium of Alice. Why so call it? 
Reason remained as long as there was life to 
express it, and what she saw and revealed to 
me had truth stamped upon every line. If we 
look for happiness, must not that happiness 
come to us through a real existence, — exist- 
ence being governed and controlled by natural 
law the same as we see expressed here ? What 
else could form those beautiful homes ? What 
else could originate the bosom of earth for 
them to rest upon? What else could call to- 
gether the loved ones she saw? Her picture 
was vivid, her ideal a satisfying reality. Yet, 
that is not all ; more has been added to strength- 
en the foundation of my structure. Since 
entering my room, and while reading over the 
message from my mother, I realized that some 
one was standing near me. Looking up, two 
forms met my gaze, one claiming to be the 
mother who gave me birth, the other — can you 
bear it? — was the mother of Harry Leroy! 
Do not think they were phantoms produced by 
my watching over his sickness and death. 
There was no sadness in our parting. He fully 
realized the call and waited calmly for his re- 
lease. Here is where we must seek for the 
silver lining to this cloud of sorrow. First, 
in realizing they live and hold a conscious exist- 
ence; second, in understanding the home they 



70 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

have reached is filled with the full measure of 
their happiness that is as real to them as ours 
is to us, such as is natural to our being. The 
association of friends, the union of parents, and 
still more, a broad field of useful endeavor 
lies before them. 

"To me, what I have gained is more precious 
than words can tell, but the best of all is the 
promise made to me by Alice. If what she saw 
proved a truth, she would come to me at the 
twilight hour, and whisper these words, 'All is 
well.' Also my mother bade me repeat to you 
these words, The time is not far distant when 
you can see and understand the position of 
Alice.' And I would add, what the change 
from this life to that has brought to her." 

"Mystery upon mystery!" gasped Mrs. 
Moore. "Why have you revealed to me this 
delusion? Surely you place no reliance upon 
such an unreal representation? I fear me, 
Eemil, you are losing your senses. Your days 
of watching have unbalanced your sensitive 
brain and caused you to see what you saw, and 
feel as you do. It would be no joy to me to 
know that my early teachings were false. The 
inheritance of my forefathers is mine! As 
they believed so do I." 

"It is well, Mrs. Moore," returned Eemil. 
"Yet I feel that the past and what it has re- 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 71 

vealed, the future and what it will reveal, will 
cause you to look upon this subject in a dif- 
ferent light, and enable you to welcome your 
daughter in all the wealth of a mother's love. 

"What greater proof," she continued, "could 
we have than to see and recognize the ones that 
death has called away from us? There is no 
beauty to me in the picture of a Christian 
heaven. There is no grandeur in the idea of a 
golden prison. There is no happiness in the 
thought of one eternal sameness, and no no- 
bility in the abject worship that is demanded 
of us. The light that has dawned has filled my 
soul with a desire to fathom and unveil the 
future and bridge the chasm that has been, and 
is the barrier between them and us. Of what 
that barrier consists is more than I can tell, 
but truth, and truth alone, can win the victory. 
It seems as if I could look forward with 
prophetic inspiration and see the brighter day 
that is dawning for all humanity." 

"My dear, your silver lining has only 
brought to me confusion," replied Mrs. Moore. 
"It is my prayer that you will soon be made 
to see the right again." 

Rising, she made a motion as if to go, yet 
looked wistfully at her friend. A half-formed 
sentence was upon her lips. Divining ner 



72 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

meaning, Eemil asked, "Would you like to see 
Harry?" 

Leading the way, they reached the room 
wherein lay the form of the once strong, joy- 
ous, active youth. Passing to his side, Eemil 
drew the covering from off the face. Peace 
was written upon it, and a smile had left its 
impress, as if only sleep held him within its 
embrace. 

Kneeling, Mrs. Moore gazed and wept in an 
agony of grief, uttering a plaintive prayer for 
forgiveness; not to him, the one who has suf- 
fered, but to the Father that she deemed all 
powerful. 

Rising, and taking a last look, she left the 
room, and returned to her home, where, in the 
seclusion of her own apartment, she could 
give vent to her overcharged feelings, and re- 
view her conversation with Eemil. Many were 
the thoughts that passed through her mind, as 
she weighed in the balance the ideas that were 
so much at variance with the church and its 
teachings. 

While thinking, a subtle change came over 
her; its meaning she could not understand, yet 
it lifted the burden of gloom, and left her 
free from the fetters that bound her. Light 
seemed to pierce the darkness, and joy unex- 
pressed pervaded her being. "What can it 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 73 

be? What can have the power to so change 
my feelings?" she exclaimed, "unless it is the 
loving sympathy of those that are watching 
over me? Can it be that the words of Alice 
are true, and the vision of Eemil a reality? If 
so, the subtle cord must be touched, and their 
loving sympathy overcome my sorrow. Yet, 
how can I give up the teachings that have 
seemed so grand and beautiful ? Never before 
has my faith been shaken. I will ponder it 
well, trying to analyze the problem of life. I 
surely have a right to know if my child still 
lives. 

"Eemil I can trust. Whatever idea she ex- 
presses will accord with her firm convictions 
of right. Her explanations stunned and be- 
wildered me. I feel that I was abrupt in my 
answer, but fears for her sanity possessed me; 
but if it is possible for me to receive my child 
back from those echoless shores, may time 
speed the day that will bring her to me. 
Thoughts crowd my brain that never found a 
resting place there before. From whence does 
this inspiration come? Not from the teach- 
ings of the church, for in them we find no such 
comfort." Thus she lived over the incidents 
of the past, uniting them with the present. 

Hope whispered to her heart, "Perhaps all 
wrong can be righted. The spirit of con- 



74 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

demnation does not blend and unite with the 
terror that I felt. Fear, cruel fear, has per- 
vaded my mind. Fear that I had sacrificed 
my acceptance, and been condemned for my 
error. 

"Eemil, if she could but know the peace that 
has come to me. From calm contemplation I 
too feel as though I had found the silver lin- 
ing." 

Glancing at the little clock, she thought, 
"This is the hour I was to meet the Rev. 
Holden. He was coming to pray with me in 
my great sorrow. What can I say?" 

A ring at the door bell announced his arrival. 
Silently she entered the room where he was 
seated, and gave him a quiet welcome. 

"I have come to talk with you, my sister, 
and also to ask our heavenly Father to support 
you in this, your great affliction," was his 
answer to her greeting. "I know your faith 
is founded upon a rock, and Christ is your 
anchor." 

"I understand your meaning," replied Mrs. 
Moore, "but many conflicting thoughts have 
come to me since parting with my only child. 
As you have said, I thought my faith was 
founded upon a rock, but this blast that has 
swept over me has aroused a spirit that I did 
not know I possessed. 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 75 

"One question I wish to ask you. Why was 
it necessary to take my child from me? She 
had all that could bring her happiness as far 
as it was possible to realize according to her 
circumstances; parents, friends, loving associ- 
ations. All of beauty and intelligence were 
hers. Yet the specter, death, must claim its 
victim. 

"Governed and controlled as you would say 
by the wise direction of an overruling Power, 
we have been taught that that Power extended 
towards His children a depth of love that we 
mortals cannot understand. Then why take 
my child, and leave many suffering ones to 
live out their days of poverty and toil ? I have 
asked the question. Can you, will you explain 
why it is so?" 

The minister gazed upon her in blank 
amazement. He strove to answer, but his lips 
seemed sealed. 

"When or where did you gain these ideas?" 
he finally asked. "Are they an outgrowth of 
those expressed by your daughter, on her 
deathbed, or has some one else been instilling 
into your mind these rebellious feelings? 
Think well before you allow yourself to ques- 
tion the wise dispensation of Him who governs 
all things. Do not allow the serpent to poison 



76 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

your mind and lure you away from the holy 
sanctuary." 

To this Mrs. Moore replied : "I looked upon 
the ideas expressed by my child as something 
nearing the verge of insanity, thinking it was 
her disease and weakness that produced that 
effect. Since then, however, I have had a con- 
versation with Eemil Deorr, and her experi- 
ence has been such it could not but impress 
upon my mind a truth revealed. I will give 
you the history of her experience, if you care 
to hear it." 

"I doubt not the circumstance would be most 
interesting," coldly answered her pastor, "but 
I cannot listen to anything that would con- 
flict with my sacred calling, and to you, my 
dear sister, I would say, beware of the 
tempter." 

"You are a parent !" responded Mrs. Moore. 
"Loving children adorn your home. If your 
daughter were taken away from you, and the 
opportunity offered, would you not seek to 
understand to what she would be attracted; 
whether to the heaven you have pictured, or to 
be received by those who are nearest and dear- 
est in family relation ? Surely you must under- 
stand something of the yearnings of a mother's 
heart. 

"If light breaks through the darkness, 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 77 

should we not receive it? Mystery, like a pall, 
has covered our exit from this life. Intelli- 
gence solves many a problem. Why can it 
not reach and solve the problem of death as 
it comes to us and ours?" 

Rev. Holden hesitated for a moment, then 
said : "The solution has been given through 
the sacrifice of Him who came to yield His 
life, so that redemption might be reached, un- 
less we deny the faith, and turn away from 
Him and His pleadings." 

"Oh would that I could reach the truth and 
have that truth supported by a fact discerned," 
exclaimed Mrs. Moore. "It seems as if I were 
another being; why it is so, or what caused 
the change in my feelings, is more than I can 
explain. A light seemed to reach me such as 
I never experienced before. A burden was 
lifted, while my soul expanded to the change. 
Firmness is a part of my moral code; I have 
never wavered in what I deemed right, and that 
is why I explained to you my feelings. I 
could not unite with you in prayer and receive 
your counsel, until I had relieved my mind." 

"Mrs. Moore!" ejaculated the minister, "I 
feel you are treading upon dangerous ground. 
Do not let the wiles of Satan overcome you. 
The holy scripture holds the warning; think 
well of it, and when you have returned again 



78 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

to your Father's house, I will meet you in 
prayer, and plead for your forgiveness. Seek 
no further to solve what is not for us to know. 
God holds the key to all ; to Him must we turn 
for help and guidance. I will retire to my 
study, there to prepare my sermon in fervency 
and prayer. Do not fail to attend our service, 
for I feel that I can overcome the doubts to 
which you have succumbed. Your faith has 
been shaken by affliction. Farewell for the 
present," and he turned away. 

As he passed out a white shadow seemed to 
glide before him. Mrs. Moore looked with 
wondering astonishment, and recognizing an 
early companion, she held out her hands and 
exclaimed, "Mabel! Mabel!" The figure 
turned and cast one wistful glance toward her, 
and she heard a soft whisper saying, "The day 
of recompense is here." Mrs. Moore sank back 
in affrighted amazement, as the past came to 
her with overwhelming conviction. 

"It was my pastor, then, that crushed and 
blighted that beautiful flower, until it went 
down into an early grave," she exclaimed. "In 
what has prayer ever availed the human race 
or relieved the miseries of mankind ? And yet 
the church spires are pointed upward all over 
the land, and praying Christians are pleading 
for special favors. Away with such cant and 




'The day of recompense is here." 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 79 

such hypocrisy ! I am a free born woman, and 
the realm of nature is my storehouse of knowl- 
edge. My soul seeks for the grandest un- 
foldment of human power. No prayer shall 
ever again pass my lips. No slavish bigotry 
shall ever invade my consciousness. I will 
look to nature for my guide, and to eternal 
truth as my control." 



Note — As the reader will recognize the almost in- 
stant change upon Mrs. Moore, it is necessary to under- 
stand through what cause that change could take place. 
Reconstruction has been undermining the power of su- 
perstition for many years, and every individual stands 
as a magnet for its control. This is to show how the 
millions will change as their reasoning faculties re- 
turn to them. Every faculty of their being will be 
touched through the keynote of their intelligence and 
language will become to them a spontaneous effort. 
As nature controls the verbal forms they manifest, 
the scale of language will revert to its natural channels. 

People will be attracted to origination and to con- 
centration, while the home center will be the place 
where the union between this life and its continua- 
tion can take place. 

The mother will stand as the magnet of the house 
and home, the healer of the house and home and the 
controller of the house and home, and her life work will 
be to unfold the beautiful process through which na- 
ture multiplies the millions. 



80 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

I 

CHAPTER V. 

THE MEETING OF HARRY AND ALICE. 

Quietly the hours passed, while nature was 
equalizing every function of body and brain, 
subject to natural control and individual 
power. The mother watched her sleeping boy, 
while her heart beat with gladness over his 
restoration to her. She knew that the world 
of mind held greater things for him to ac- 
complish than the world of matter under 
present conditions could realize. She thought 
upon the happiness which his association with 
Alice would bring to him, where no barrier of 
wealth could exist between them, and no false 
teachings mar their unfoldment, while each 
one would become a student in nature's school, 
and learn to comprehend the natural conditions 
that exist between man and woman. 

In this way her thoughts wandered from one 
plane of experience to another. She compre- 
hended the struggle of his earth-life, his long- 
ing for home and parents, and how often he 
had rebelled at the hand of fate that deprived 
him of his mother. She knew, too, there was 
much for him to accomplish before nature 
could fully recognize the transfer from the 
world of mind to the world of matter. 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 8 1 

Alice would also pass through the same 
range of repeating experience, both being 
recognized as natural born children, forced out 
of life before their time. As her mind wandered 
from one condition to another, she realized 
more and more of nature's immensity; and as 
the opposite, she realized more and more of 
the perversion that held sway over the minds 
of the millions upon the earth-plane. 

"When, oh! when, shall humanity be liber- 
ated, and nature stand as a balancing power to 
hold mankind to the right?" she exclaimed. 
"Then there will be no death, while nature's 
birth will open the door through which life 
can unite and liberty become a law. 

"How little the world of people comprehends 
the condition of those that are forced through 
death into the first range of experience here. 
When we look upon their condition, we long 
for the power to break the barrier which exists 
between us and them ; but ages have turned the 
scale, and through that, forced upon them 
ignorance, superstition, and the loss of self- 
control." 

Through her intense musing, she did not 
notice Harry's eyes resting upon her until he 
spoke in accents more clear and natural. 

"Mother! Oh what a world of meaning 
comes to me through my knowledge of you; 



82 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

and that we should meet again upon a plane 
unknown to me!" 

"My child, the world of mind has vast re- 
sources," was the tender reply. "You are now 
free from the environments of circumstance, 
and will live to overcome what was forced upon 
you, while the mental field is for you to ex- 
plore. Your inspiration will return to the 
earth you left to invigorate human minds, and 
raise them above the thraldom of slavish in- 
tolerance. 

"Fear not, for when the days of your seclu- 
sion are over, you will meet the friends and 
co-workers in the great field of reform. Your 
mind will drink from the fountain of knowl- 
edge, while your associations will be such that 
it will develop every faculty of your being." 

As the days passed by, Harry realized more 
and more the beauty of his surroundings; yet 
there was one wish ever with him, and that was 
for the companionship of Alice. 

"I see, my son, the dearest wish of your life 
has not been granted," remarked his mother 
one day. "To-morrow you and Alice will meet 
while your father is attending a lecture upon 
the wdrld^ formation." 

"What joy that will bring to us, after pas- 
sing through this sorrowful experience, and to 
know there will be no parting save to meet 






TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 83 

again," replied Harry, his face beaming with 
anticipation. "I am surprised at one thing, 
mother. I hear among you nothing of what 
the church teaches. Philosophy and science 
hold your interest, while nature's revelations 
are a daily companion. Why is this?" 

"You ask this question," said his mother; 
"I will answer. We have passed beyond the 
darkness of superstition. We have united 
with the plane of intellect that belongs to 
nature and nature's intelligence. Our minds 
must harmonize with the circumstances of her 
control. To be intelligent is our ambition, and 
to be natural is to be well. 

"Here no sickness invades the conditions of 
our lives, and you will stand out free upon a 
platform of an eternal experience. You will 
pass from plane to plane, from cycle to cycle, 
from center to center, as one among the myriads 
that inhabit the world of space." 

"Dear mother," answered Harry, in an awed 
tone of voice, "your words overwhelm me. 
Can it be that I have stepped out into the great 
arena of life's results? That I am a part and 
portion of the manifestation of human intel- 
lect, and a necessity in the eternal principle of 
change?" 

"It is even so, my son," was the reply, "and 
while you are pondering upon this fact, I will 



84 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

go to prepare refreshments to correspond with 
your condition. My own hand will be guided 
through the mother love that belongs to you." 

"To-morrow," thought Harry, "I am to see 
Alice; can I realize the anticipation? It will 
be far different from the cold scorn I met with 
in her parents' home. Yet they had wealth 
and position, while I was young and inexperi- 
enced. It seemed as if my brain would burst 
and my heart would cease to beat when I knew 
that she was soon to leave the world, to be 
forever separated from me, and beyond my 
recognition. 

"How could I realize the grandeur of this 
sublime reality ? Shut out from all correspond- 
ence, the darkness that veiled my perception 
made me feel as if she were lost to me forever. 
I will rouse myself to meet her as best I can. 
How far has she recovered from the prostra- 
tion she endured? And I, how little there is 
left of the once strong man in earth-life ? Yet 
I feel the life currents pulsating through my 
.brain and body, and that nature is restoring all 
that disease destroyed." 

As the hours passed, and the to-morrow 
came, one faculty after another began to assert 
itself, and one condition after another to mani- 
fest, and he listened for the voice that held 
within itself a measure of power. 






TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 85 

As the sound of voices reached him, his 
mother said : "They are coming, and may you 
realize all that you anticipate. I will go and 
bring her to you. Through companionship 
you will be strengthened and through the ex- 
change of experience you will comprehend 
what each one has passed through. But do not 
fail to remember, my son, your days of pain 
are over, and your continuation will be cen- 
tered to useful work." 

Alice was sustained through a consciousness 
of self-control, and she entered the room and 
greeted Harry according to her natural self, 
while the mother left them, as we will do. 
She went to join the others and listen to the 
conversation of women from different depart- 
ments of art and literature. Their discussion 
was upon the power of transfer from a higher 
plane than they inhabited. Those who were 
connected with art, discussed the merits of 
their productions as they received them from 
the outline relations of other worlds. 

In listening to the varied conversation, one 
could but see that the knowledge expressed 
upon the earth-plane was far from being sci- 
entific. Yet the vibrations that carried their 
conversation to the earth's center became the 
inheritance of the human race there, and as 



86 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

the balance of reproduction united, human 
progress became the result. 

In linking the two planes together, one could 
but see the result of nature's forces as she 
formed the conditions of intelligence for each 
one to attract from, until the world of mind 
encircled the world of matter, and mystery was 
overcome. As the conversation progressed, 
Alice entered, and joined them as a listener, 
until each departed for her separate home. 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 



CHAPTER VI. 

IN WHICH MR. AND MRS. MOORE HAVE A 
CONTROVERSY. 

The sad ceremonies were over, and two 
young lives had ceased to manifest. The home 
center was left desolate and alone, while the 
mourning parents failed to be comforted save 
through Eemil and her companionship. 

As Mr. and Mrs. Moore were seated in their 
spacious library, Mr. Moore, in his despair, 
said, "Why was our darling taken from us?" 

"I have thought much upon that question, 
dear husband!" said Mrs. Moore. "I have 
traversed the ground of right and wrong as 
far as my fettered mind can reach, and I have 
tried to fathom the conditions of the real and 
the unreal, of justice and injustice. My 
thought has been invaded by many conflicting 
emotions; and you will be surprised, perhaps 
angry, over the conclusions I have reached." 

"What is it, may I ask, that you have an- 
alyzed so completely that you could form a 
definite conclusion upon so important a mat- 
ter?" asked Mr. Moore in a curious tone. "Im- 
portant to us because our souls are weighed in 
a balance to see if we fail to reach the ultimate 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 



of our Christian duties, and what we owe to 
our Maker and to the church." 

"That is one thing that I have been analyz- 
ing," said Mrs. Moore. "What is our duty to 
our Maker, to the church, and to ourselves?" 

"Self, my dear wife, is not to be considered," 
he replied. "We must bow in humble submis- 
sion to Him who doeth all things well !" 

"And so you are satisfied that the best that 
could have been was the loss of our darling 
child ? That the fatal disease that undermined 
her young life was sustained by the God you 
worship?" questioned the mother of Alice. 

Mr. Moore looked upon her in amazement. 

"What sacrilege ! How dare you utter such 
rebellious words!" he angrily replied. "I 
have always known you were strong in your 
convictions, and fearless in your assertions. I 
thought the loss of our child would bring you 
nearer and nearer to the Christian faith and 
make you stronger in the love of your Re- 
deemer." 

"I have tried," said Mrs. Moore, "to be 
reconciled to the one thought as you express 
it; but my soul rebels at the injustice. I have 
looked for truth and failed to find it. I have 
looked for justice and failed to see it mani- 
fested. I have looked for Christian faith and 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 89 

found but a mess of pottage that savors only 
of deceit." 

"Woman! My wife, and the mother of my 
child, you alarm me ! Can it be that grief has 
turned your brain until reason has forsaken 
you? Think well upon the step you have 
taken. Repent before it is too late, and come 
back to our faith and to me," he commanded. 

"That," she replied, "can never be, as far 
as my association with the church and its teach- 
ings is concerned. The minister was here to- 
day, and I revealed to him the state of my 
feelings. I asked some questions and I had 
a right to their explanation. He could only 
warn, not explain. 

"As my brain awakens to the consciousness 
of my ability, it seems as if my eyes pene- 
trated the veil that hides the unseen world 
from us. To me, that world is one imbued 
with intelligence, and is an abode for progres- 
sive human beings. There is no city with 
streets of gold, that my perception can reach; 
there is no God that my conscience can accept ; 
but there are homes where the loved ones dwell, 
and there they study the conditions of life, and 
learn of nature's vastness and power. 

"You, too, my dear husband ! when the veil 
is lifted, will comprehend the same grand 
scene, and learn of the home that our child 



90 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

united with, and you will learn of your parents, 
and their circumstances, and how they care 
for our one darling. I feel as if my mind could 
penetrate the vastness of the universe; and it 
has united with the realms of intellect to sus- 
tain me in this hour of my greatest grief." 

Mr. Moore was shocked beyond measure, 
and could scarcely refrain from interrupting 
his wife before she had finished speaking, 
when he exclaimed, "Wife, who has taught 
you these things?" 

"No one has taught me these lessons," was 
the reply. "They are mine, as an inheritance 
from the realm of intelligence that belongs to 
me. There is not one thought but what my 
inmost soul sanctions, and I look forward to 
the time when our child can return to us, and 
prove the continuation of her life, and her 
experience with those she loves as companions." 

"My wife, you alarm me! What am I to 
think? What am I to do? Where is our 
minister? He must come to you at once!" was 
all Mr. Moore could say in reply. 

"No! I say no!" firmly answered Mrs. 
Moore. "As he passed out of the room to- 
day, I saw Mabel Harris walking with him. 
She turned at my exclamation. She looked 
at me with her wistful eyes and whispered, 
The day of recompense is here/ You know 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 91 

what that means. It means a life stained with 
the blackness of deceit and crime. It means 
another young life crushed and an early grave. 
It means her return to witness a recompense 
for the loss of life and self-respect. Could I 
listen to a prayer uttered through lips like his ? 
No! a thousand times no! I will go to the 
flowers, and, watching the unfolding process 
of nature's work will there read the lesson 
that she imparts. I will search for the great 
truth that will reveal to me my own life work. 

"Do not fetter me," she pleaded, "but leave 
me free to be your companion through life. 
Aid me in seeking for what my soul craves 
and my heart longs." 

"I must leave you now," said her husband. 
"I am more distressed than words can express. 
Give me time to think, and later you shall have 
my answer. Something has wrought this 
change in you. If your words are true, then 
all else is false, and we are groping in the 
depths of ignorance, while our lives have been 
shadowed with a haunting specter that only 
misleads and overcomes." 

As he left the room she sank into a chair 
and sobbed bitterly. She was awakening to 
the consciousness of the position she had 
taken, and knew that the church would con- 
demn her every movement. 



92 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

While weeping thus, a voice said to her, 
'Tear not, my child, you shall be sustained. 
Knowledge has reached you and the truth has 
taught you a lesson. Though the world 
scorns, ignorance will be vanquished, while 
reason will be your platform, and inspiration 
your guide." 

She looked up and a woman stood before her, 
with eyes that were filled with intense pity. 
She was tall and perfect in form, while her 
face beamed with intelligence. Her dress 
shimmered with lustre, surpassing anything 
that she had ever seen. 

Almost overcome, Mrs. Moore whispered, 
"Oh, Angel of light! Have you come to me?" 

"No, sister! I am only mortal," was the 
reply, "but the home and surroundings on 
the plane of which I dwell are called truth and 
knowledge, and the atmosphere is filled with 
the life principle that brings understanding. 
You, too, dear sister, shall dwell in the realm 
of progress, where you can beautify your 
being through the companionship of intelli- 
gence." 

As the last words were spoken, she van- 
ished and Mrs. Moore was left alone. 

"One more proof of the truth of my po- 
sition. While the beautiful, the grand and the 
intelligent come to me, and sustain what my 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 93 

mind has conceived, I will never falter," said 
Mrs. Moore. "I will go and tell my husband 
of this last experience, that he, too, may learn 
through knowledge of the broad foundation 
nature has built for the progression and im- 
provement of all humanity." 



94 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

CHAPTER VII. 

THE LAW OF TRANSFER. 

As the days passed by, Harry regained his 
self-possession, and united with his self-con- 
trol, which aided by his nobility of character, 
enabled him to stand as a man among men. 

He stepped out into nature and drank deep 
draughts from her inspiring fountain, and felt 
that it was a blessing to live. Though sadness 
had marred his earth-life, future joy could 
obliterate all the pain through which he had 
passed, and bring back what belonged to him. 

While pondering upon his restoration, to 
his surprise he saw two of his most intimate 
earth-friends approaching, Maud Leland and 
Mary Estella Powers. He greeted them with 
a warm welcome, while they manifested much 
delight in their meeting. After a few words 
were exchanged, they made known their er- 
rand. "We have come to ask you and your 
parents to a little social gathering at our home 
to meet the friends you have known, as they 
all wish to bid you welcome. There will also 
be a discussion upon different points pertain- 
ing to the change the world is passing through. 
The magnet power that we possess will hold 
speakers from a higher plane than ours, a lady 




They had just arranged themselves when the two stood 
before them. 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 95 

and gentleman of rare ability. We think you 
will enjoy the lesson, though it will be some- 
what in advance of your present experience." 
Turning, they entered the house and made 
their errand known to Harry's parents. 

"We will gladly meet with you," they re- 
plied. "It will be an interesting experience 
for our son, and he can begin to comprehend 
the vastness of the universe of mind and the 
power of human intelligence." 

"Harry not being very strong, will you all 
accompany us in our carriage?" requested his 
young friends. 

They were soon on their way to join those 
who were waiting in anxious expectation to 
receive them. 

"Oh, what glorious realizations!" was the 
thought of Harry, as he met them in the realm 
of peace and quiet, where health was mani- 
fested through every action, and intelligence 
was pictured upon every face. "The dream 
of my life is being fulfilled." 

They entered a hall of large proportion, and 
arranged themselves in what is called "a geo- 
metrical angle." The women stood for the 
return of the lady, the men standing for the 
same purpose in regard to the gentleman. 
They had just arranged themselves when the 



96 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

two stood before them. Harry uttered a sound 
of amazement. 

The gentleman looked upon him, saying: 
"Fear not, my child, you are only learning the 
lessons that the book of nature holds. I am 
human and once lived upon the plane of sorrow 
that you have just left, three periods earlier 
than yours. I have made the journey through 
different ranges of education, and I come to 
you all to-day to make known what a higher 
realm and a more advanced plane has revealed 
to me, and the transit of what I have received 
must repeat to earth, and hold humanity until 
they comprehend their position, and the con- 
dition of their world, and what has caused it. 

"We all recognize the darkness of the past. 
We see what rules the comprehension of the 
masses, and through that comprehension only 
can we reach their understanding. 

"I received this dictation : The world you 
once united with, has reached the crisis of an 
absolute change. Watch, and see the concen- 
tration that will unite to make the change. 
While you, holding a magnet connection with 
that plane, must stand for the result that will 
take place. 

" The first condition to be recognized will be 
when two extremes meet. One we call life, 
while the other is designated as death, and it 



TWO .SIDES TO A PICTURE 97 

has so ruled the results of inhuman measures, 
that it has become a power greater than life. 

" 'You will be called upon to center here, and, 
to center there, and you will be called upon to 
change the relation of your correspondence 
until you generate a force strong enough to 
counteract the ultimate from day to day until 
their liberation becomes a law/ 

"I have given you the first message which I 
received, and as time passes one transfer after 
another will unite for us to act upon. 

"I have come to you through a cause 
while you will be called upon to receive 
through the next scale what natural results 
recognize. 

"You must meet the magnets that will center 
to receive you, and repeat to them what I have 
expressed to you, with this added understand- 
ing; that they too must be received upon the 
plane that connects with theirs. This result 
must take place from plane to plane until it 
reaches the outer expression of the world of 
matter, and unites with the individual magnets 
that will center to receive the first to come to 
them. 

"Nature will unite with us and them. 
Through the vastness of her control, planets 
will vibrate in unison with planets, worlds with 



98 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

worlds, and systems with systems, while the 
central sun will control nature's construction. 

"The dark era is closing its measures, and 
the sorrow that envelopes individuals will 
change, and joy, such as they have never 
known will be realized. It will be a joy such as 
intelligence perfects, and it will be a joy that 
fills every measure of their being. It will vi- 
brate from heart to brain and there unite the 
sensations that belong to human happiness and 
human life. What is experienced here will be 
repeated there. As the dark cloud disappears, 
and the light of aspiration fills their soul with 
the desire for good, pain will disappear, and 
prosperity such as nature recognizes will be- 
come their inheritance." 

They all listened with wrapt attention, and 
saw what a great work was before them. They 
were illumined with an intense desire to as- 
sist struggling humanity, and help them to 
live to be what health and knowledge together 
can produce. 

Silence reigned for a moment, and then the 
figures disappeared, not to return again until 
another lesson was received by them to be 
imparted. 



Note — The law of transfer is a condition that has 
just dawned upon the perceptive faculties of the stu- 
dent. It is the avenue through which nature reveals 
her most perfect work. It makes it possible for the 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 99 

higher or more educated people to pass from one range 
of experience to another and impart their intelligence 
to those that inhabit a scale of conditions less favored 
than their own. 

In following the varied conditions that transfer rec- 
ognizes we see how it is possible for one condition 
to change another from wrong to right and from right 
to wrong. The more advanced, controlling the lower 
plane, can purify the atmosphere of that plane and 
make it possible for people to progress and round out 
of what controlled their earth-life. Here they were 
linked to sorrow, insanity and pain. There they rep- 
resent the continuation of that cause, and the multi- 
plicity of inhuman ills is represented. 



• " 



100 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

CHAPTER VIII. 

ALICE APPEARS TO HER MOTHER. 

As Mrs. Moore entered her husband's room, 
she saw him seated at the table with bowed 
head, and an expression of sadness upon his 
face. 

Placing her hand upon his shoulder, she 
said: "Dear husband, arouse yourself. Do 
not think that I am following something 
that has no foundation. I have just been 
in conversation with a beautiful being 
from what we call the other world, a woman 
almost beyond description in form and 
intelligence. Yet, she stood before me as one 
in flesh and blood. I was not afraid of her 
presence, but felt awed and inspired as she 
revealed to me her message. 

"I know now that our Alice lives, ,, continued 
Mrs. Moore; "that she, too, is one among the 
millions that inhabit a grander world than this. 
That she, too, has the world of intelligence 
before her, and that one continuous round of 
unfolding progress is hers; and O, if I could 
but know that she is happy and in the com- 
panionship of those she loves. But the veil 
is lifted. The seen and the unseen have come 
together; the known and the unknown will 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE IOI 

soon unite; while time will heal the wound, 
and you and I can receive our own." 

Raising his face he looked upon her with 
an amazed expression, and exclaimed, "Wife! 
wife! Have you lost your senses, that 
you come with such a story to me ? All seems 
dark. The last hope has died out and you are 
drifting away from the one anchor that holds 
humanity to Christ and Him crucified. Is there 
nothing that will call you back to your faith 
and to your belief ?" 

"No ! I say a thousand times no !" she em- 
phatically replied. "The cloud that has en- 
veloped my brain has cleared away. Through 
that I see what superstition has brought upon 
humanity. It has crushed them down with an 
avalanche of persecution, and forced them to 
accept a belief in the place of a reality. The 
reality I have seen, in the form of the beautiful 
woman that stood before me, and as the future 
reveals the continuation, more will come to bear 
witness of their circumstances and of their 
lives. 

"If those who pass from this life can cross 
the line into a real existence, the same law 
will permit their return to us. Why should 
we shrink from that one great truth? Why 
should we fear those who were so dear to us? 
I can never again return to your faith, or to 



102 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

your belief; but you, too, will see and know 
what I have seen, and through that the truth 
will come to you, and you will be happy. 

"There was no sadness upon the face of the 
one that came to me. There was no fear, but 
the light of intelligence beautified and ennobled 
every feature. I am waiting and wishing for 
the return of those I love, with a hope that a 
reunion will again take place between our- 
selves and those we have known. 

"Eemil Deorr is upon this plane of under- 
standing, and she also will listen for a mes- 
sage from Alice, while Harry will remember 
her and her great kindness. As my mind be- 
comes clearer I see the mistake that our preju- 
dice forced us to make, and how pride alone 
prompted the errors that we made. The 
past cannot be changed, but the future holds 
its redeeming cures. 

"Can you forgive me," she pleaded, "and 
will you be the same companion, knowing that 
I am changed but in one way? I have ac- 
cepted a reality in place of a belief. Will you 
answer me?" 

Doubt and fear were stamped upon his fea- 
tures. Faltering, he replied: "My hope is 
as I have said ; that you will come back to my 
belief, and to my Christian faith. I will give 
you time to ponder well upon my meaning; 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 103 

so good night, and may you feel differently 
to-morrow." As he left her a wave of grief 
swept over her. 

"Must I," sobbed Mrs. Moore, "in accept- 
ing one be separated from the other? My 
husband seems almost relentless. Full well I 
comprehend his meaning; yet I feel that the 
light will come, and he, too, will know the 
truth as it exists." 

Seating herself she felt the utter loneliness 
of her situation, and she cried, "Oh Alice! 
Alice!" 

Looking up, she saw her daughter before 
her. The outlines were like a misty veil, while 
the form was the one she knew so well. Gazing, 
she waited for one word, but no sound broke 
the silence. Leaning forward, Alice looked 
upon her mother and faded away. 

"Can it be that my wish was answered? I 
know that it was she. Yet why could she not 
speak to me? But it is stronger proof that 
my daughter has heard the wish of me, her 
erring mother, and she will come again and 
be able to talk through better conditions. The 
law that holds the secret of her return will be 
revealed, while time will make the change and 
bring back to me what disease and death have 
overcome. 

"I will go to Eemil again to-morrow, and 



104 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

will tell her all I have seen and heard. She 
will comfort me, and we can talk over the 
full result of the past few hours. I know she 
will be my friend. She has the message her 
mother sent her, and she is looking for the 
dawn of a brighter day, when truth will take 
the place of ignorance, and right will gain the 
ascendancy. 

"These thoughts come to me, their source I 
cannot tell, but my brain seems full to over- 
flowing. The inspiration of ages seems to 
crowd upon me; and yet I cannot fathom the 
conditions, but time, the healer, will turn the 
scale, and show to all the world that faith is 
false, and truth must ever live." 



Note — The law of materialization is as broad as 
mind and matter can control. Worlds are brought into 
existence and held together through materialization 
and proportion. The student has many avenues to 
explore. A conclusion cannot be formed in regard to 
the immensity of nature's plans. 

Life attracts life and people attract people; while a 
yearning expressed through the intense wish of another 
can become a magnet strong enough to reinstate the 
form of one that has made his or her change. 

Through the law of materialization all uncertainty 
is overcome, and as the conditions unite that control 
the return of people, certain magnet students will re- 
ceive the education necessary to impart to others the 
principle that governs their return to us. 

The law of correspondence must be recognized and 
through the recognition of that law we will find what 
degree of suffering we have reached through the divis- 
ion that prevents the manifestation that naturally be- 
longs to them and to us. Life is a philosophy, and 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 105 

living is a science. There are no isms that can ex- 
plain the connection between them and us. 

We will find that through double acting measures, 
their return is just as necessary to our existence as 
our going is to theirs. The book of nature is open 
for all, its pages hold all that humanity needs. There 
is no illustration, there is no demonstration which it 
cannot explain ; there is no phenomena which mankind 
can experience but nature holds the duplicate. 



106 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

CHAPTER IX. 

HARRY AND ALICE EXCHANGE IDEAS. 

As the days passed by, each one was filled 
with a sense of enjoyment and occupation. 
Both Alice and Harry realized the liberty that 
change had brought, and to them life opened 
one broad field of perfecting cause. 

They found that natural life was the ground- 
work upon which all conditions united, while 
humanity controlled the impulse of each indi- 
vidual. They understood that to cultivate self 
was what fitted them to correspond and connect 
with the events that belonged to them and their 
companions. Superstition was a thing only 
remembered, but not felt, while selfish greed 
was not known among them. There was no 
want, for poverty was overcome, while nature 
and intelligence, through genius, blended to- 
gether for each one's support. 

They were sitting in the garden surrounded 
by living, moving objects, and were filled with 
admiration, as they beheld the sublime reali- 
ties. In the distance were low rolling hills, 
while a hazy atmosphere blended with nature's 
picture, and a river whose depth reflected the 
beauty of nature's origin completed the land- 
scape. They looked with wonder upon nature, 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 107 

striving to realize something of the vastness 
that she controls. 

Turning to Harry, Alice said : "This is more 
than heaven. This is the result of the grand 
universe of mind, as the teacher said to us. 
O, to think that one plane can yield its 
knowledge to another, that one world can 
unite its intelligence with another, until every- 
thing vibrates with a living motion and a living 
sensation. ,, 

There was a pause, and with a thoughtful 
look she said : "There is one thing that puzzles 
me beyond measure, and that is this : What is 
death and through what cause did it come?" 

"That is more than I can answer/' he re- 
plied. "It has been the subject of my thoughts 
many, many times, but each day has revealed 
to us as much as our minds could comprehend, 
while the inspiring flights of others have led 
us on and on, until we know that knowledge 
is the eternal principle of life. 

"You see, dear Alice, that one channel after 
another manifests a problem from hour to 
hour. As we meet together to-day the subject 
will be The World's Analysis, and How 
Germination Forms the First Condition That 
Controls Matter Through Mind.' Not one 
mind, but the untold millions of minds that 



108 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

inhabit the different worlds that the universe 
contains. 

"Here we can grasp much, ,, continued 
Harry, "for through our recuperation, we are 
divided from past connections, and are linked 
to nature and nature's cause, while the effort 
has been, as the teacher says, to centralize a 
condition that does and will control every 
brain faculty, so that each one will harmonize 
through all associations, and through that make 
us students in the great school of nature's 
power. Her laboratory is one vast domain, 
while her resources are what link immensity 
together." 

"Yes," was the response of Alice, "that is 
what links immensity together, and holds the 
diversity of everything that worlds and hu- 
manity experience, and to think that we are 
standing upon what to us is our first plane of 
education. To-day we will read the lecture 
that explains through what power we can re- 
turn to earth, and our friends. 

"I must give you my experience, Harry 
dear," continued she. "Last evening I was 
sitting in my room; a drowsy sensation stole 
like a vague memory these words came back 
to me : Tear not, mother ; all will be well, for 
reason will gain the ascendency, and through 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 109 

that each one's mind will change and unite with 
knowledge as it exists.' 

"I could not say that I saw my mother, but 
the day will come when she will know that 
life unites with life, and that children and 
parents will come together through the one 
great cause, — nature's law." 

"I do not doubt, my dear one, that you re- 
turned to your mother," said Harry. "The 
over me. Lying down, my consciousness 
seemed to leave me for a time, but in arousing, 
I felt as though I had seen my mother, and 
grief of parting will arouse a different feeling 
within her. She will call to you, as many 
others call for their loved ones that cruel fate 
has separated from them." 

"To-day we were told to again expect the 
teachers who represent the higher planes," said 
Alice. "Through our days of experience in 
minor lessons, we can better comprehend their 
subject; yet I feel that something was gained; 
a desire awakened, to be one that forms the 
center to hold control over the equalizing of 
our earth-home. 

"It is a dear old world, the one that gave us 
birth into the consciousness of eternal life. If 
it did not exist we could not be here. It is 
the door through which material results con- 



110 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

centrate, and through which material life ema- 
nates. It has been marred and blotted through- 
out the ages of persecuting control. Blind 
fanaticism has torn down the moral structure, 
and built upon the plane of its dissolution a 
creed more disastrous than we can compre- 
hend. The result envelopes the human race 
like a vast cloud of perverting blindness, forc- 
ing it to worship at the shrine of the dead past, 
and ignoring the living present. But the time 
is here when the fetters will be broken, when 
the world of mind and the world of matter 
will unite. The cloud will disappear, and hu- 
manity will be rid of the condition that en- 
slaves them. ,, 

"You are right in your conclusion," said 
Harry. "As the inspiration of that change 
reaches us, we will know that a greater reality 
is being experienced, and that mankind is 
being aroused to the knowledge of what has 
been the cause of our sorrow, pain, and sepa- 
ration. A few more lessons, and I will be 
fitted to take my place in the great arena of 
natural education, and you will stand upon 
the broad platform of woman's greater achieve- 
ment. You belong to the literary side of mental 
unfoldment, your aspirations will be attracted 
from the higher planes, and you will realize 
the law of transfer, while your nature will be 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE III 

expanded through the diversity of your life 
work." 

"I can say the same to you," said Alice. 
"You will stand where nature places you, and 
since no discord will mar the success of your 
position, your association with people will en- 
noble your character and bring out the best 
that you attract. 

"We have not the turmoil of earth to meet. 
We have passed beyond the boundary of its 
sorrow, and can look back upon the conditions 
that hold sway over the actions of the people 
there. In that is our field of work ; to liberate, 
to educate, and control the changes that will 
force upon them a greater degree of happiness. 
We have been shielded from the shadow of that 
condition, and lifted above the sorrow that 
controls them; yet we know through past ex- 
perience that a change must come, and that 
change pertains to everything that makes and 
mars the results of human enterprises, until 
monopolies of all kinds will cease to rule the 
intermediate, as well as the world itself. 

"I see, Harry, that our teachers have ar- 
rived, and the pupils are coming together. I 
feel that our interchange of thought has 
brought much pleasure to us, and that it will 
lay a foundation for a broader field of ex- 
panding ideas," continued Alice, as they arose 
to join the class. 



112 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

CHAPTER X. 

THE MINISTER CALLS UPON MRS. MOORE. 
SET* **'■■ 

The morrow dawned, and with it brought 
an added experience to Mrs. Moore. Meeting 
her husband, she gave her good morning salu- 
tation, expecting his usual greeting, which was 
an affectionate embrace, but nothing seemed to 
move him. He stood indifferent and neg- 
lectful. 

They entered the dining room, and found 
breakfast waiting. He bowed his head and 
thanked God that he was free from temptation, 
while she, in the bitterness of her sorrow, only 
responded through silence. When the meal was 
over he requested her to adjourn to the library. 

She knew that the time had come when she 
must renounce the truth and accept what to 
her was false in order to hold her husband's 
love. 

The thought vibrated through her brain, "Is 
there no way that I can convince him? Is 
there no proof that can come to me that he can 
recognize? My home has been my heaven; 
to be separated will be more than death. Is 
there no power greater than the one he recog- 
nizes ?" Seating herself, she waited to hear 
what he had to say. 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 1 13 

"My wife! as I still will call you," began 
Mr. Moore, "I have thought deeply upon the 
subject that you introduced to me. I remem- 
ber the martyrs of old, how they renounced 
life, liberty and happiness, and clung to Him 
who died to save them from eternal punish- 
ment. I give you one more chance to overcome 
your folly. If then you still cling to your in- 
sane beliefs, our roads must separate; our life 
work must be in different channels. I will fol- 
low my Redeemer, while you can go down with 
your folly." 

He turned and walked away, she listening 
to his footsteps as he passed down the hall and 
out into the street. 

"And I have come to this!" she said, "be- 
cause I. a woman, dare to assert a truth, and 
reveal to him my opinion. What the end will 
be only time can tell, but I will never turn from 
the course that my conscience dictates for me 
to follow. I will go to Eemil Deorr! She is 
true to all of her convictions, and to her I 
can pour out the bitterness of the present; for 
she is clear sighted, and will help me in the 
way I am to go." 

Dressing herself for the street she passed 
out of the house, winding her way to Eemil's 
home. As the bell rang, she heard footsteps 



114 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

approaching. The door opened and Eemil 
stood before her. 

"I have come to you, dear Eemil," began 
Mrs. Moore, "as the only one who can under- 
stand my position. Can I see you in the 
privacy of your own room, as I must tell you 
of the experiences of the last few daysr" 

Eemil led the way, and soon they were 
quietly seated in her own apartment. 

"As I said before, I have come to you for 
comfort, for advice, and to tell you what I 
have received." Mrs. Moore then narrated all 
that had transpired since they had last met. 
She explained to Eemil her firm determination 
to hold fast to the truth as it had been revealed 
to her. "Yet to separate from my husband 
and home will be more torture than I can bear," 
sobbed Mrs. Moore. "He said, The martyrs 
of old gave up all.' Must I be a martyr and 
give up my home, and all of the joy of its 
possession?" 

Eemil sat in thoughtful silence and then said : 
"A little more time, Mrs. Moore, will right 
your wrong. I, too, have a revelation to make. 
Since the departure of Harry, I have sat silent 
and alone to hold communion with those who 
come to me. It has been a time of great 
promise, and as the future fulfills what they 
have said, bigotry will cease to hold control. 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE II 5 

Then husbands will cease to dictate, as one 
revelation after another comes to prove the 
reality of continuation. They tell me, 'We 
are coming nearer and nearer, and soon the 
veil will be parted, and the living and the living 
will come together!' 

"Say nothing to your husband for a time," 
said she, "but do as I have done. Meet your 
friends for counsel, and they will help you 
in your darkest hour." She then related all 
of her minor experiences until their conversa- 
tion drifted into other channels, when they saw 
to their surprise that the dinner hour was ap- 
proaching. Mrs. Moore, feeling much re- 
lieved, arose to bid her friend good-by for the 
present. 

She pondered well upon what Miss Deorr 
had told her. "I will follow her instructions, 
and through that, I feel sure that I can con- 
vince my husband of the truth of our child's 
return." 

Entering her home she found Mr. Moore 
awaiting her, apparently nervous and ill at ease. 
She gave him her usual greeting, and passed 
out of the room in order to gain composure 
to meet whatever he had to say. As the din- 
ner hour was announced she approached the 
table, to be seated in her accustomed place. 

Looking at her husband, she said : "I have 



Il6 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

been to call upon Miss Deorr. She is one of 
nature's noblest characters, and her presence 
seems to illuminate the atmosphere around one, 
while her intellect is beautified through the 
intelligence that controls her." 

He looked up and slowly said: "You use 
very strange language. Miss Deorr is an un- 
believer, and one with whom you can not as- 
sociate with my consent. Instead of purifying 
the atmosphere, her unbelief overcomes your 
faith, and makes it harder and harder for you 
to come back into the fold." Thus the con- 
versation ended, and Mr. Moore arose to go. 
With the same stern, unrelenting face, he left 
the house for his place of business. 

While pondering upon his relentless words, 
the door bell rang, and the servant announced 
the coming of the pastor. 

"May the grace of our heavenly Father be 
with you," he said. "I hope I find you well, 
dear sister." 

Rising, she met his greeting and extended 
her hand, then led the way to the parlor. She 
bade him be seated, waiting for him to make 
known his errand. 

"I have come to see you in accordance with 
your husband's wish," was the explanation of 
the Rev. Holden. "He is much distressed over 
your ideas, and I have come to labor with you 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 117 

for our great cause, and, if possible, to undo 
what the loss of your child has accomplished." 

A sudden light passed over Mrs. Moore's 
face. Rising, she said : "I have not lost my 
child. She lives as I live, only she has changed 
from one scene to another. She will come 
back to me as a fulfillment of her mother's 
wish. 

"Your death will cease to be victorious, 
while my life will hold control and power. I 
shall never renounce the truth I hold. I shall 
never return to your church, to your creed, or 
to your teachings. The very atmosphere is 
infested with the death penalties of the past. 
The river of blood is rolling on, while you 
stand upon the rostrum, dictating a greater 
downfall. You say 'through death all things 
are accomplished/ while I say, through life all 
things can be overcome. I will follow the path 
of right. I will seek the greatest good that 
can come to me, and my kind. I will go to 
nature and there learn what law governs life 
and me. 

"Do you remember the once beautiful Mabel 
Harris? Why was it she passed into an early 
grave? Can you come to me with a soul 
stained with deception, and claim to be one 
fitted to guide and counsel? 

"I saw her as you passed from the room on 



Il8 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

your former visit. I held out my hands, and 
exclaimed, 'Mabel ! Mabel !' She looked upon 
me with the sadness of old, and whispered 
these words, The day of recompense is here/ 

"Do not come to me again with your sophis- 
try or your delusion, but try to rid your own 
soul of the dark stain upon it, and when you 
censure others, think of yourself and what the 
past has been to you. Do not think the wrongs 
we accomplish can be forgiven, unless we, 
through our efforts, undo the wrong and unite 
a recompense. A little prayer can never stand 
as a relief for human woes. The whole world 
is praying; and yet the vices grow greater, 
and the virtues less, while the spirit of Christian 
duty has ever been persecuting and unrelent- 
ing. As I said before, do not come to me with 
any idea of overcoming my opinions. They 
are founded upon a truth revealed, and I look 
forward to the time when I can show to you 
the falsehood of your position." 

He gazed upon her in blank surprise ; while 
anger was depicted upon every feature. He 
almost hissed these words : "You will repent 
of your rash assertion. You will stand con- 
demned before the world; and I will see you 
meet what you deserve. No prayers shall be 
uttered for your forgiveness. You have sinned 
away your day of grace, and the power of 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 119 

forgiveness. I will leave you to your bitter 
reflections and to meet your fate, knowing that 
no punishment is too great to overcome your 
sin. May your retribution be all that you de- 
serve." 

He angrily left the house, while Mrs. Moore 
conscientiously reviewed all that she had said 
to him, and felt that she could not withdraw 
a single statement. 



120 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 



CHAPTER XL 



THE TRANSFER OF INTELLIGENCE FROM THE 
HIGHER TO THE LOWER PLANE. 

When Alice and Harry joined the other stu- 
dents, they found the subject for the lesson was 
to be magnet centers, how they are formed 
and to whom the work is to be appointed. 

The magnet center was composed of twelve 
conditions, with the center balancing magnet 
and the intermediate. The center balancing 
magnet is one that holds the manifesting con- 
dition, and stands for the object to be received, 
while the intermediate holds the manifesting 
condition to its center. 

Each one present held a program, specifying 
what was to be received. One received a mag- 
net for locating minerals; another a model 
showing how to connect one planet with an- 
other for communication, called a sensitive 
telephone; another one received a historical 
record of the past, going back to the time when 
the Christian era commenced; another some 
diagrams in astrology to reproduce in lace 
form the patterns for which perfecting time 
calls; another received independent writing 
through three phases, in the form of dictations 
in regard to aerial navigation ; while still an- 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 121 

other received vocal centralization in regard to 
natural chemistry to be used in the subjuga- 
tion of ores. 

After receiving what belonged to them, 
which included the formulas relating to the 
work in which they were engaged, they listened 
to conversation on natural chemistry, deriving 
much benefit from the verbal illustrations given. 

The voice was one that was centralized from 
the domain of science, where nature's labora- 
tory is situated. This is a center where philos- 
ophy, science and individuals meet. It requires 
the continuation of many ranges of intelli- 
gence before a mind is able to connect with 
this center, and take up the multiplicity of sub- 
jects that nature reveals, as the inheritance that 
belongs to the world and her people. 

When the meeting closed, they returned to 
their own places of business to perfect as far 
as possible the work to be accomplished. The 
work is so arranged that the utmost genius of 
each individual is required. When they have 
reached their greatest possibility another meas- 
ure is added to their experience, which gives 
them the power through perception to go on 
with their occupation, and finish what is to 
be done. 

The graded intelligence of the ages has been 
filled in this way. Yet people Only saw one 



i 



122 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

side to the picture of life, and they received 
from what they saw, never going beyond the 
result to comprehend the cause. So it is upon 
the world of mind; people come together im- 
bued with the desire to accomplish a success 
in both fields of enterprise — the intellectual and 
the mechanical. 

The intellectual calls together the composer, 
the historian and the correspondent; the me- 
chanical brings together the inventor and the 
invention, while nature, through her produc- 
tions, reveals to humanity the vastness of her 
resources. Here is where the geologist and 
nature meet. Astronomy reveals to the as- 
tronomer the vastness of space and the eternity 
of matter, and astrology unites with the cor- 
responding intelligence that constellations of 
human beings hold in relation one to another, 
and so on through the diversified power that 
rules the conditions of all, the mind keeps pace, 
while through mind motion is maintained, and 
human action gauged to occupation that is as 
broad as a world of people accomplish. The 
center of occupation is formed through heredi- 
tary causes ; one world inheriting the result of 
another. Through that the constellated ener- 
gies of life expand, contract, and change, while 
the constellation of human impulse keeps pace 
with the condition that belongs to it, and to 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 1 23 

the coming ages. Thus the school of the races 
is centered, laboratories are built, and archi- 
tecture becomes a master design. 

As they looked upon the vastness of Nature's 
workshop, they saw why humanity is com- 
pelled to labor, and why demand and supply 
unite to meet its necessity. Whenever a phase 
is divided, there a propagation is produced. 

A propagation is what preys upon the life 
scale of the higher form, and only through the 
results of the dark period can propagation be- 
come a power. To overcome that cause is re- 
construction's perfecting work, while equaliza- 
tion will balance the scale, until freedom will 
be the power, and humanity a living truth. 



124 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

CHAPTER XII. 

MRS. MOORE WINS THE VICTORY. 

As the days passed by, corresponding meas- 
ures united, so that the maternal line linked to 
the daughter's condition sufficiently to attract 
her to her earth-home. 

"I will go to my room," was the thought of 
Mrs. Moore, "and there await the coming of 
my child. It is all that will save me from 
what they would call 'the wrath to come.' " 

The sun is just sinking beneath the western 
horizon, and all Nature seems in a peaceful, 
glorious rest. 

Entering her room, she seated herself with 
anxious expectation, saying, "My child, come 
to your waiting mother!" 

As the words were spoken, she saw before 
her the outline of Alice. She knew that her 
child had come to answer her call. As the 
vapor seemed to concentrate, Alice, as an in- 
dividual, stood before her. 

"I have come, my mother, once more into 
the home in which I should have lived many 
years. I have come to the parents that were 
mine in childhood, and are still mine in love 
and affection. I can only remain a few mo- 
ments, but will return when you and my father 




Alice, as an individual, stood before her. 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 125 

can meet me together. There must be no sepa- 
ration," said she, "no breaking up of home 
ties. Ignorance must be overcome, and truth 
too grand for ages to complete must com- 
mence. In ten days I will again be with you 
at the same hour to remain ten minutes, which 
will give me time to say many things. Before 
that, however, my father will be willing to 
accede to your wishes. Adieu, dear mother! 
until we meet again." 

As Mrs. Moore sat pondering upon the re- 
sults of her daughter's words, a burden was 
lifted, and a light illumined her whole being. 
She saw the future ; the world of mind and the 
world of matter linked together. She saw the 
unfolding of human intellect, and she saw her- 
self by her husband's side standing upon the 
rostrum with people in dense masses listening 
to her words. She saw the mysteries disap- 
pear, and the bigotry of past ages give place 
to the intelligence that belongs to humanity 
as their birthright. 

She saw the mists of the ages disappear, and 
the whole world of mankind liberated through 
that cause, while freedom was emblazoned 
from the earth's center to the world's circle. 
Freedom, that links the soul's relations to- 
gether. Freedom, that forms the intelligence 
of the human mind. Freedom, that covers the 
earth and envelops humanity in its mantle of 



126 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

inspiration, so that all can become self-con- 
trolling, and subject to the change that belongs 
to them as a recompense for past sorrows. 

For a moment she looked out upon the re- 
alities of her one vision, and exclaimed, "Can 
it be ? Can it be a truth, that so great a thing 
is coming to humanity?" And a voice an- 
swered, "Yes, my child; all this you see be- 
longs to the human race — and more — a thou- 
sands times more. Your day of sorrow will 
soon be over. The right will prevail over the 
wrong. Your home is yours and all errors 
that have been forced upon you will cease to 
control ; while you belong to the magnet power 
that emanates from natural sources. 

"Reveal to your husband what you have 
seen, what you have heard, and what you 
know. He is now wavering between two opin- 
ions. The groundwork of belief is receding, 
while a truth, too great to be overcome, is 
uniting. Farewell, my child; do not be sad, 
but look forward to the great joy that the 
future holds." 

"And does the grand universe contain such 
beings as this?" was the exclamation of Mrs. 
Moore. "I will go to my husband and will re- 
peat to him what has been said to me." 

As she reached the library, she saw him in 
an attitude which betrayed the thoughts that 
were passing through his mind. Looking up, 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 127 

he met her with a faint smile, saying : "I know 
your firmness, my wife. To whatever are your 
convictions of right you will strictly adhere. 
Teach me as you are taught. I will listen, and 
if possible I will be convinced. You are the 
light of my life. Without you my home 
would be a dreary waste, and the world would 
be dark and desolate. Let us talk it over." 

Seating herself, she related to Mr. Moore 
her recent experience, what Alice had said to 
her, and what the voice had explained. 

'They are cognizant, then, of what we are 
doing here?" asked Mr. Moore. 

"Yes, according to the knowledge that they 
both held of our condition, it must be so," 
replied his wife. "If they can know the good, 
they can know the ill. In ten days from to- 
night our child will return to us, and wishes 
to meet her father." 

"I will be with you," he answered, "and 
may a truth be revealed to us and a knowledge 
gained that falsehood can never reach." 

As their hands met, they heard a voice say- 
ing, "As the mind awakens, the human intel- 
lect will expand until it vibrates from center to 
center, from circle to circle, from system to 
system, and from world to world; then an 
eternal truth will stand pre-eminent over fic- 
tion and every folly that exists." 



128 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

CHAPTER XIII. 

THE CONVINCING PROOF. 

As the days passed, Mr. and Mrs. Moore 
were drawn nearer and nearer together. They 
looked forward to the time when Alice was 
to meet them. The father wavered between 
doubt and hope, while the mother stood firm, 
fully expecting the realization of the promise 
given. 

When the time came they arranged them- 
selves to meet their loved one according to ap- 
pointment. There was no fear in Mrs. Moore's 
mind, but her husband trembled, and doubt 
was impressed upon his face. 

"Be calm, dear husband, fear not." As she 
spoke they heard footsteps approaching, and 
Alice stood before them. 

"Dear father and mother, I have come to 
redeem my promise," she said in the sweet voice 
that was one with her presence, "and to bring 
you good tidings. A grand and noble life 
awaits you. All is real and nature's unfold- 
ment is a continuation of what you see around 
you. The most beautiful of all is the associ- 
ation of friends, while every faculty of our 
being expands to meet the progress that be- 
longs to our life work. My love for you is in- 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 129 

tensified through the change I have made. We 
are taught how the errors of this earth-plane 
became so intense that they blind the percep- 
tions and make humanity cruel and unrelenting. 

"I have met the companion that should have 
been mine in earth life. I request that you 
sanction what should have taken place here; 
there is no division according to wealth ; each 
one stands for what he merits and what he ac- 
complishes." She paused for their answer, 
and it came as with one voice, "My child, you 
have our full sanction, and as your life work 
goes on from day to day, may you both return 
to us and impart the lessons you have learned." 

Thanks were expressed in the look of joy 
that she gave them as she said, "There are 
many things for all to know, the most import- 
ant is to understand the problem of return, 
and how each one can become a magnet to at- 
tract his own. The isms must all pass away; 
not one will be left to mar the pages of future 
history, while all mysteries will be overcome, 
until a full understanding is reached according 
to continuation, its life, its law, and its power. 
The next time I return another will be with 
me, and thus one after another will stand upon 
the threshold of life's platform and give you 
greeting. Adieu." 

Silently she faded from their sight and they 



130 TWO SIDES TO A PICTU1E 

were left alone, each one absorbing the lesson 
that Alice had imparted, while memory held 
the words she had uttered. 

"There is no death/' said Mr. Moore; "all 
is life, and through life we can look forward 
for others to return and to give their experience 
and teach us what is best for us to know. Thus 
a grand result will be accomplished." 

"Yes, the best," answered Mrs. Moore. "Our 
life work, our living, and our experience must 
be blended and interblended so that reason can 
encompass the vast domain of human power. 
I am anxious, yes, more than anxious, to re- 
ceive the knowledge that continuation holds. 
We can look over the past and see how narrow 
our pathway has been; it was hedged with 
doubt and fear, and continuation was to us a 
dreaded result. It seemed like stepping out 
into a dark expanse with no light to guide us, 
while now we know that continuation is for 
all the human race, that life is one eternal prin- 
ciple, and that everything moves according to 
the magnitude of its control. We will live to 
perfect ourselves here; this is the platform 
where our unfoldment must begin. 

"We have come to a time when an undoing 
process is taking place; the past to me is like 
one grand parorama, my vision can penetrate 
its depths; it is like a cloud, with its billowy 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 131 

waves scattered, while the light of an eternal 
truth will become the inheritance of those that 
live." 

"My wife," said Mr. Moore, "you astonish 
me; can it be that an education that requires 
years to attain has become yours in a few short 
days?" 

"It is not an education," she replied, "but an 
inspiration. It seems as if every faculty of 
my brain is in harmony with natural law, and 
that nature holds the real education that be- 
longs to us. We have theories and beliefs 
taught us, yet we are given to understand that 
we must not rely upon ourselves, but upon 
something that holds a greater knowledge than 
we are allowed to possess." 

Rising, she said, "We must go to Eemil 
Deorr; she has been my one true friend, and 
to her we owe the history of our experience." 

"Yes," said Mr. Moore, "we will go and 
repeat to her the words of Alice, and the 
promise we have of meeting her again. There 
is no wealth equal to the comprehension of real 
things, and our daughter was as real to us as 
in earth-life. If humanity could only know 
the truth, how much sorrow would be over- 
come! As you said, a weight has been lifted 
and I feel free to express my convictions and 
sanction your previous experiences." 



132 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

They were soon on their way to Eemil 
Deorr's, who met them with a pleased expres- 
sion, exclaiming, "How glad I am to see you ! 
I have something to tell you. You remember 
the promise that Alice made me? It has been 
fulfilled and I am so happy; besides, my 
mother came to me with words of wisdom; 
she scattered the gems she had gathered while 
their radiance illuminates my mind, and fills 
my soul with a longing for greater knowledge." 
Leading the way to the parlor, she bade them 
be seated, feeling that something more than she 
knew had brought them to her. 

"We have come, dear Eemil," said Mrs. 
Moore, "to thank you for your wise counsel 
in behalf of my husband and myself, and to 
tell you of the great joy that has come to us. 
Our daughter returned to us with these words." 
She then repeated to Eemil what Alice had 
said, with the added information that others 
were to come and impart their experience so 
that each one could become educated in what 
life holds for humanity there as well as here." 

"Yes," said Mr. Moore, "our daughter came 
to us and we fully realized her presence as an 
individual; she expressed herself in language 
as we do, and there was no difference in her 
or her looks; she was a natural human being, 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 133 

and to you we owe the knowledge that made 
it possible for her return." 

"I am glad," answered Eemil, "that you 
can receive the truth and know that to return 
is natural, and also that the love that one bears 
to another forms the means by which to meet 
those they have been separated from. As I 
was saying to you, my mother came and told 
me of many things that the future holds. She 
said that our world was passing through a 
change that will liberate each one from sorrow, 
from insanity, and pain ; that there will be no 
death, but nature's birth will make the change 
that time will bring to all. She said that a reve- 
lation was passing from plane to plane that held 
within itself only the bettering of all things, 
and that knowledge will become pre-eminent, 
and through knowledge humanity will become 
just and natural; they will be freed from all 
the penalties placed upon them, and each one 
will be liberated from the tortures of memory, 
and become intelligent, natural and progres- 
sive. One thing she was most anxious to im- 
press upon my mind : 'Do not wish to be di- 
vided from your earth-life until nature recog- 
nizes the time to go. Seek rather to live and 
fit yourself through development of every 
faculty you possess to be ready to make the 
change and meet the ones awaiting you.' So 



134 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

you see we must all strive to do the best we 
can, — 'that knowledge is our inheritance, and 
through that we can recognize the good and 
learn what controls the evil, and in what way 
justice turns the scale so that each one can 
become free from turmoil and live true to 
nature/ 

"That was the substance of mother's mes- 
sage, with the understanding that more lessons 
were in store for each one." 

"Yes," said Mrs. Moore, "while you have 
been talking it seems that the future opened 
before me. Why I see these things I cannot 
tell. Yet time will reveal what the faculties 
are that gives one the power to penetrate the 
past and unite with the future. What I see I 
have no language to explain, but I feel as 
though there was something that can fill the 
measure so that I will be able to express what 
is revealed. 

"There is one thing more. When Alice re- 
turns again I wish you to meet her. I think 
Harry Leroy will be with her. She said an- 
other would accompany her, and who could it 
be but he?" 

"It would be most natural," answered Eemil, 
"that he should be her companion. I feel that 
through their return many a problem will be 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 135 

solved freeing our brains from mystery and 
doubt. What a great reality that will be to us." 

Bidding Eemil a kind adieu, Mr. and Mrs. 
Moore returned to their home, feeling they had 
gained much through the interchange of ideas. 

"There is one thing that we failed to ask," 
said Mrs. Moore, as they entered their own 
home, "Alice did not give us the time of her 
next return." 

"Yes, dear wife, for some reason we neglect- 
ed to ask her. What will we do? Perhaps 
some way will suggest itself to you." As he 
spoke she laid her hand upon the table and a 
motion responded to the contact. 

She studied the motion carefully and saw 
that her hand and forearm oscillated rythmi- 
cally in two and three oscillations to the meas- 
ure. She called her husband's attention to the 
difference in the two measures, saying, "Can it 
be that the three oscillations mean 'Yes,' and 
the two 'No'?" 

"Suppose you ask a question," suggested he, 
"that must be answered either by yes or no." 

Pausing a moment, she asked, "Alice, when 
will you return to us ?" 

"Do not word your question like that; ask 
it in this way," exclaimed he, "Alice, in how 
many days will you return?" 

They watched her hand attentively as it os- 



136 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

ciliated twelve times. "Can that mean twelve 
days?" said Mrs. Moore. The hand oscillated 
three times. "Is that yes?" and again there 
was the same response. 

They looked at each other in amazement. 
"Here is a revelation," said Mrs. Moore, "that 
will link the two planes together through con- 
scious motion; we will bide the time that it 
designates." 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 137 

CHAPTER XIV. 

PHENOMENA AND ITS POWER. 

As the days passed on Mr. and Mrs. Moore 
repeated the experiment through different chan- 
nels and found that natural law was a supreme 
educator, while pulsating intelligence stood as 
an intermediary between them and the law of 
transfer. 

The twelfth evening found Mr. and Mrs. 
Moore and Eemil awaiting the coming of 
Alice. They told her more of the education 
that had come to them through the new 
method of transfer, and spoke of what they 
looked forward to. 

"It seems," said Mr. Moore, "that our world 
is passing through a momentuous change, 
while the intelligence that we receive far sur- 
passes anything that the past has ever re- 
vealed. It claims no monopoly, it claims no 
'ism,' but is one expanding measure that will 
encompass all mystery so that our education 
can be free and untrammeled." 

The clock in the hall struck eight. 

"This is our time," said Mrs. Moore. "Let 
us enter the parlor. I have prepared every- 
thing for their reception." 

Entering the room Eemil glanced around 



1 38 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

and saw the decorations that loving hands had 
arranged. Flowers adorned the table, they 
being the most perfect representation that fond 
affection could picture. Two chairs were 
placed side by side, while another was ar- 
ranged according to her impression a short 
distance from them. Seating themselves, only 
a few moments elapsed before Alice and Harry 
greeted them. 

"We have come, dear parents/' said Alice, 
"so that a perfecting realization can be made 
between you and us. To-morrow we will come 
together through the process known to us as 
mate and mating. There will be friends to 
meet us, besides we expect one from a higher 
plane to do honor to the occasion. I am 
dressed in what you would call my bridal robe. 
It is a symbol of the position that I am about 
to assume." 

"Can this be and is there another way to 
understand the association that we call mar- 
riage?" said Mr. Moore. Rising, he extended 
his hands and grasped those of Harry and 
Alice. "I give you all that words can express 
or that a father's affection can dictate." "And 
I," said Mrs. Moore, "give you all that a 
mother's love can fathom or a mother's heart 
desire or control." 

"It is well, dear parents; we can go back 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 139 

i 

to our home and know that nothing mars the 
union between Harry and me that nature 
recognizes. We will go back to our home 
through a process of change of which you have 
no present knowledge, and in ten days we will 
meet you again with others. Then a council 
will be held and instructions given that will 
guide you in the pathway you have chosen." 

Turning to Eemil, she said : "To you, dear 
one, only time can give recompense for what 
you have done. To be human is the brightest 
jewel in the crown of human acts. To be just, 
metes out to humanity the inheritance of each 
one. The memory of this visit will be re- 
tained as we unite with the circumstances and 
people that attract us to them." 

The parting filled them with conflicting 
emotions. "Let us go to the library," said Mrs. 
Moore, "and discuss the different questions 
that may come to us. I have an experience 
to relate to you, the nature of which is more 
than I can comprehend. Its truth has been 
verified but its connection I have yet to learn." 
She then related to Eemil what had transpired 
through automatic motion and magnet transfer, 
the two laws being parallel with one another 
to convey the intelligent thoughts of others. 
Here is where the philosopher and philosophy 
becomes a teacher to the human race." 



140 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

As the changes came from day to day, each 
one brought them nearer and nearer to the ap- 
pointed time of Alice's return, and their minds 
were infused with a well defined purpose. They 
felt that every act was the result of a natural 
cause to fit them for thei£ life work, so that 
when earth's experience closed they would be 
ready for nature's birth, and the continuation. 

When the evening came the three were wait- 
ing for the hour that would bring their ex- 
pected guests. As before, the room was ar- 
ranged according to the requirements of each 
condition to be recognized. Seating them- 
selves, the veil between this life and its con- 
tinuation was parted and several persons stood 
before them living realities. There was one 
that seemed to demand attention and upon 
whom all eyes were centered ; a perfect woman- 
hood stood before them. Alice stepped for- 
ward and introduced the stranger as one who 
held control of the Temple of Power, while 
another represented the Transcendent plane, or 
the Realm of Beauty. 

"We have come to you," said the first, 
"through the consciousness of our ability to 
control, not the elements, but the conditions 
that intervene between you and us, conditions 
that have formed a barrier strong enough to 
separate each one as he or she passes into the 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 141 

land of continuation. The first lesson that 
humanity must learn is the reality that exists 
between it and us; how all things that belong 
to the changes that humanity meets are the 
unfoldment of every faculty that each one pos- 
sesses. As we learn our lessons of experience 
we know that an advanced intelligence must 
govern us. Our minds are ever turning to the 
unfoldment that education brings to us. We 
know that life is an eternal problem, and that 
each is an actor in the drama of experience to 
solve that problem. Through it those that are 
advancing in the different grades of mentality 
will attract to themselves the inspiration of 
that control. Do not think that we control 
you as people. As the orbit of intelligence 
forms, it attracts its resources from the results 
that have taken place. To-day the veil is lifted 
and we understand one another. The ages 
past will yield up their treasures, while the 
present will unite the continuation that belongs 
to life and life's purpose. Nature's labora- 
tory is ever before us and her workshop is our 
place of research. You see what that work- 
shop produces. The vernal kingdom responds 
to nature, while nature, through intelligence, 
produces the results that meet the demands 
of the living masses. You look around and see 
the variety of nature's production and know 



142 TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 

that through each formulating process life 
perfects what you see, while knowledge per- 
fects what you know. Each day will bring 
you nearer and nearer to the great truth, 
origination. As you solve the problem you 
will know that the cycles of eternal motion 
ever pulsate through the rotations of time, — 
time that holds within itself worlds and sys- 
tems of worlds, while continuation of minds 
mold the destiny of human achievement, and 
through human achievement eternity moves; 
while the mind molds the continuation that 
controls the transit that constitutes the evolu- 
tion of space. Space that is ever with us, time 
that must ever control us, while our ambition 
will reach the zenith that belongs to continu- 
ation. There is no beginning, there will be no 
end. Nature is one conscious unfolding pro- 
cess. It goes on and on, while millions of 
years are not a drop in the ocean of time that 
belongs to worlds, to humanity, and to life. 

"Be steadfast in your investigations and 
learn that knowledge is life, and the power 
to live. Through knowledge the sorrows of 
each one will be overcome, while phenomena — 
Nature's most colossal result — will be to you 
an every-day experience. 

"The magnet life center will be the ruling 
power that overcomes death until there is no 



TWO SIDES TO A PICTURE 143 

cause to control it As the different planes 
unite, men and women will become the living 
masters over false belief, while woman alone 
will stand as the balancing power that unites 
continuation. No more will the black cloud 
of past control darken the perceptions of 
mankind and divide them from an ever living 
truth, a truth that stands as a control over the 
countless millions that inhabit the worlds of 
space. 

"To you and to all the world of humanity, 
and to humanity's needs will come the force 
of intelligence that belongs to reconstruction's 
effort, while the diagram that will control is 
justice and equality." 



[the end.] 



s 



OCT 13 1903 



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